Conclusion

Considering concepts in chaos theory illuminates how understanding the nature of dynamic systems can help to harness unpredictability for real-world applications. Even the smallest variables have random and unpredictable consequences in simple systems; consequences are amplified as systems increase in complexity. However, unpredictability does not mean the absence of order. Unpredictability follows deterministic laws that allow chaos to be harnessed for those who can shift from quantitative reasoning to being able to recognize quality and patterns in a system's behavior. Deterministic predictability offers ways to infer consequences, but not to predict events.

Chaos theory provides lessons for and suggests practices that can be applied in the real world. This essay focused on how chaos theory implies that short-term tactical planning might be a more effective survival strategy than long-term strategic planning for business and governments who might otherwise be inclined to focus on long-term strategic planning, and how predictability windows suggest questions about the value of long-term weather forecasts and human efforts to stabilize the climate.

In conclusion, chaos theory shows that the smallest variables can significantly influence unfolding events in dynamically interacting components and subsystems, making predictions virtually impossible beyond predictability windows. In other words, while consequences may be inferred and can be explained, they cannot be predicted.