Abstract

This is a study of the influence of the new science of complexity on communication theory. The study begins with a description of the new science of complexity and identifies core rhetorical concepts found in the science describing complexity theory. They are nonlinearity, patterns, underdetermination, self-organization, and holism. The study then shows how those core concepts are also present in the social sciences and communication theory and practice. ;The study introduces the concept of fractals and proposes that paradigms are essentially conceptual fractals. I argue that a change in a paradigm involves a shift in the core assumptions regarding human nature, the nature of truth, causality, individual identity and communication protocol. I then show how complexity theory has resulted in a shift in assumptions in each of these areas and conclude there is a general theoretical shift towards a complexity paradigm. ;The study proposes that complexity theory redefines the locus and significance of communication and informs the study of communication by redefining what is knowable, what is truth, how behavior is caused, how individual identity is impacted, and what are appropriate communication protocols. This study then provides an example of a complexity theory explanation of dialogue and examines how group learning and transcendencies occur in the dialogue process