Advances in the model of hierarchical complexity (MHC)

Abstract

The model of hierarchical complexity (MHC) has a long history that only in very recent years resulted in its formal specification as a general model. A brief history of the origins of the notion of hierarchical complexity follows. This is done in order to identify what the steps were and also those who played key roles in the model’s development over these many years. In tracing the evolution of the MHC, there are four periods, each involving different people. The two earliest periods were Commons’ pre-college years, college and graduate school years, followed by a period of more active and direct development from 1973 to 1982. After the model was developed, there were advances in the period from 1982 to present.