Chaos

Chaos refers to a state of disorder or unpredictability within complex systems, where small changes in initial conditions can lead to vastly different outcomes. This concept is often illustrated by the "butterfly effect," where a butterfly flapping its wings can, theoretically, influence weather patterns elsewhere. In chaos theory, even deterministic systems—where outcomes are governed by precise laws—can behave unpredictably over time. Chaos is observed in various fields such as mathematics, physics, and even economics, highlighting the limitations of forecasting in systems that are sensitive to initial conditions.