What is chaos theory?

In mathematics and physics, chaos theory describes the behavior of certain nonlinear dynamical systems that under certain conditions exhibit a phenomenon known as chaos. Among the characteristics of chaotic systems, described below, is sensitivity to initial conditions (popularly referred to as the butterfly effect). As a result of this sensitivity, the behavior of systems that exhibit chaos appears to be random, even though the system is deterministic in the sense that it is well defined and contains no random parameters. Examples of such systems include the atmosphere, the solar system, plate tectonics, turbulent fluids, economics, and population growth.

Systems that exhibit mathematical chaos are deterministic and thus orderly in some sense; this technical use of the word chaos is at odds with common parlance, which suggests complete disorder. (See the article on mythological chaos for a discussion of the origin of the word in mythology, and other uses.) A related field of physics called quantum chaos theory studies non-deterministic systems that follow the laws of quantum mechanics.

To put it simply, the Chaos Theory is about small changes in systems that can result in large and significant changes or outcomes.

The theory also proposes that there is Order in Disorder. It uses the Logistic equation to demonstrate this.

The Logistic equation is a simple example of chaos. It was first studied on computer by the theoretical population biologist Robert May in the late 1960's.

The Chaos theory is an attempt to study "chaotic" systems that cannot be studied easily by conventional linear approaches. Areas such as Weather, Turbulence and systems that alternate between Periodic and "Chaotic" behaviors.

http://bendov.info/cours/chaos/logistic.htm

It is a theory devised by people to explain phenomenon that they can't predict in the normal cause and effect manner.

I don't believe in the theory. Einstein once said that God doesn't play dice - it is a very ordered universe - and if Einstein didn't buy into it, that's good enough for me.

I believe that if ALL of the contributing factors are known for predicting a certain outcome or event, the outcome will be consistent with the results found by factoring them into the correct formula.

Unfortunately, in the real world, ALL of the factors aren't always known or they are too numerous or complex, and therefore the result can't be known - hence, they give it the "cop-out theory", called chaos.

Men of great intelligence just don't like to admit that some things in nature are simply beyond their ability to predict with any certainty.

Which brings up the "uncertainty theory".........

In mathematics and physics, chaos theory describes the behavior of certain nonlinear dynamical systems that under certain conditions exhibit a phenomenon known as chaos. Among the characteristics of chaotic systems, described below, is sensitivity to initial conditions (popularly referred to as the butterfly effect). As a result of this sensitivity, the behavior of systems that exhibit chaos appears to be random, even though the system is deterministic in the sense that it is well defined and contains no random parameters. Examples of such systems include the atmosphere, the solar system, plate tectonics, turbulent fluids, economics, and population growth.

Systems that exhibit mathematical chaos are deterministic and thus orderly in some sense; this technical use of the word chaos is at odds with common parlance, which suggests complete disorder. (See the article on mythological chaos for a discussion of the origin of the word in mythology, and other uses.) A related field of physics called quantum chaos theory studies non-deterministic systems that follow the laws of quantum mechanics.

From Chaos Form

Fractiles, too!

Two of your answers seem very similar!! Chaos theory is merely another term for "madness reigns"

You should read A Brief History of Time, Stephen Hawking. It's simple, easy to read,it talks about some theories about the Universe. Anyway, believe or not, you decide.

In short, plain English: when changeable things depend on other changeable things, exactly what will happen cannot be predicted, but, if you have the resources of data and computer power, you can at least work out the odds of the most likely results.

Sweet Purple and Angel - good to see you have mastered cut and paste.

LeAnne: I don't agree but at least you are an original.

For the actual discussion see reference below.

It's this theory like... that theres aww... gonna be... chaos?