Abstract
Chaos theory is providing us with new images of the world. The new science of Chaos or Nonlinear Dynamics examines patterns of complex and simple systems. Two principles emerging from the science of Chaos are sensitive dependence on initial condition and self‐similarity as symmetry across scale. These principles form viable metaphors for the field of adult education. Sensitive dependence on initial condition, for example, could alert us, in planning our programs, to small changes in the process which can magnify into very large changes. Self‐similarity as symmetry across scale might provide us with organizing guidelines for educational curriculum. Learning patterns within learning patterns within learning patterns may be formed. Chaos theory, then, can offer adult education rich metaphors through which to examine, in new ways, what it is doing.
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