Scientific methodology for complex systems: Macroscopic patterns in eco‐ and anthropo‐sphere

Abstract

AbstractA quite unconventional, innovative scientific methodology called “macroscopic pattern analysis” is presented in this paper. This approach is more adequate in the case of complex systems than the well‐known microscopic, mechanistic approach. Complex systems are not only attracting more engineering interest, but their scientific treatment is increasingly wanted by society due to the manifold problems in Earth's ecosphere. The macroscopic pattern approach will be explained in depth and illustrated in some case studies from the ecosphere (sustainability, hurricanes and avalanches), where nature serves as a teacher for the solution of the sustainability problem. Then, a series of case studies on macropatterns are described showing the problem‐solving capacity for anthropo‐ and technosphere: sustainability in society with an index of sustainability, the eco‐social market economy with eco‐tech as an instrument, biokinetics, bioreactor mixing and integrated bioprocessing with models, design of cars and houses and even quality of life as an attempt to quantify macropatterns.The innovations are briefly compared in their problem‐solving capacity with known approaches such as the microscopic method in science, technology and society (free market economy), including the evaluation of other indices and cleaner production, industrial ecology and zero emission initiative. Finally, a deeper integration of sciences, ethics, arts and nature will be introduced based on the vision with macroscopic pattern analysis, where the different domains of human life are integratable to effect a reconciliation.