Dynamic Systems in Developmental Science

Abstract

AbstractIn its mathematical, methodological, and conceptual grounding, the dynamic systems (DS) approach to development offers a unique, relationally focused model for understanding developmental process. Proponents of the DS approach, however, are metatheoretically divided with respect to what constitutes the very nature of explanation in developmental science, resulting in two distinct ontological frameworks within the approach: an inclusive, pluralistic framework and an exclusive, monistic framework. The purpose of this chapter is to articulate the metatheoretical divide that currently exists within theDSapproach and to address the implications of this divide for realization of the approach's potential as a Relational‐Developmental‐Systems paradigm. The chapter begins with an overview of historical influences on theDSapproach to development, specifically targeting the multidisciplinary frameworks of von Bertalanffy's general systems theory and nonlinear dynamical systems theory. Alternate ways of marrying these multidisciplinary influences are discussed and used to anchor the chapter's delineation of theDSapproach to development through its ontologically distinct variants. The chapter ends by framing metatheoretical division within the DS approach in terms of the Relational‐Developmental‐Systems and Cartesian‐Split‐Mechanistic paradigms.