HW20: Chapter 19

(19.3) Why is it impossible to infer the emergent properties of a complex system from the properties of its components? 

A system, especially one that is complex, is composed of many intricate parts known as components, that can be composed of trivial properties on broad level. But its specific purpose as an complete unit is non-trival from a birds-eye perspective. It is equivalent to disassembling a machine designed for a specific purpose down to its nuts, bolts, and screws (and whatever is leftover), then asking someone what is the purpose of those screws. The person can identify the nuts, screws, and other individual items (which we will call properties of the components), and infer its purpose,  but in no sense will that person be able to determine what the overall functionality of the parts as a complete unit.