In the wide sense, the use of concepts from the mathematical theory of dynamical systems, based on the principles of self-organization in open systems, to describe how the behavior of complex systems is generated over time, regardless of their material substrate or the particular time scales on which they operate. In the narrow sense, a specific theoretical framework, in which behavior is assumed to arise as stable states or attractors of dynamical systems, which depend on sensory information, task, intention, and interaction. Instabilities lead to change of behavior and thus demarcate qualitatively different behaviors or states.
See Activation (in a connectionist model), Attractors, Behavioral state concept, Catastrophe theory, Chaos, Chaos theory, Cognitive psychology, Complexity, Complex system. Control parameter, Dynamic field theory, Dynamical system, Dynamics, Irreversible thermodynamics, Law, Laws of nature, Mechanism, Motor development, On-line emergence, Ontogenetic development, Open system, Paradigm shift, Process, Instability, Self-organization, Stability, Synergetics, System, Systems approach