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2015 Symposium
Inequality exists in many different forms and systems, including access to resources, social equity, and even ecology. The inequality gap in many of these systems has appeared to widen in recent years, such as in the distribution of wealth. Why does inequality exist, and how should we even define these disparities across different areas of study? Is such inequality inherent in these systems? Will these systems run properly without some level of inequality, and what level do societies deem acceptable? These are just some of the questions we will attempt to answer at the 2015 Ecological Sciences and Engineering Symposium, "Inequality in Complex Systems: Characterizing Global Disparities".
The symposium will bring together respected scientists, professionals, and leaders to discuss inequality from a complex systems approach. Such an approach analyzes the many components of a system and how they interact and give rise to the collective behaviors and properties of the system, as well as how the system itself interacts and forms relationships with the environment and other systems. Complex systems are inherently interdisciplinary, bringing together many fields of study to understand and research the diverse components of these systems.
By the end of the symposium, participants will have an expanded understanding of defining inequality, how it exists in both human and natural systems, and how to use this knowledge to look for solutions in the future. The discussions aim to inspire participants to use a complex systems approach in their own research and to better understand the world around them.
This event is FREE and OPEN to the public thanks to our sponsors. Registration is required. This event is organized by Purdue University’s Ecological Sciences and Engineering Interdisciplinary Graduate Program. To get involved, please contact ese@purdue.edu. We look forward to seeing you there!