Explore the primacy of context in complex systems through this illuminating talk by C. Brandon Ogbunu at the Santa Fe Institute. Delve into the interconnectedness of various fields, from evolutionary biology to linguistics, as Ogbunu discusses how environment shapes outcomes in complex systems. Discover insights on epistasis, protein folding, HIV evolution, and the constraints of history. Learn about using word games to teach evolutionary theory concepts and the relationship between human artists, algorithms, and regulation. Gain a deeper understanding of the value of surprise in scientific discovery, the challenges of effective science communication, and the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling complex problems. Examine the role of context in shaping educational and economic opportunities, microbial interactions, and human perception. This wide-ranging discussion touches on fundamental theories of intelligence, developmental bias in evolution, the adjacent possible, and the fitness seascape, offering a comprehensive exploration of complexity science and its applications across diverse domains. Read more