Complexity means the world holds more possibilities than a system can realize

Evidence

The concept then signifies a number of possibilities which are opened up through system formation. It implies that the conditions (and hence boundaries) of possibility can be specified, that the world becomes constituted after this fashion and also that it contains more possibilities than can be realized, so that in this sense it has an ‘open’ structure. — Niklas Luhmann, Trust and Power, 101

Categorization

• DEFINE: Core definition of Luhmannian complexity as open-ended possibility exceeding realization — the problem selection must solve.
• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — Niklas Luhmann, Trust and Power, 101
• XREF: connects to: The world is unmanageable complexity because it exceeds any system’s stable expectations; Complexity increase and reduction co-arise; neither causes the other sequentially — Niklas Luhmann, Trust and Power, 105; Socially constructed action categories generate increased social complexity (+1 more)

Broader Connections

• Complexity increase and reduction co-arise; neither causes the other sequentially #complicates (0.50) — Niklas Luhmann, Trust and Power, 105
• Socially constructed action categories generate increased social complexity #expands (0.50)