In order to study the behavioural patterns within the city, Steven Johnson applies the theory of swarm logic. Derived from the behavioural patterns in the ant colony, swarm logic can also be applied to the patterns of behaviour within the city.
Johson explains this theory of swarm logic through two contrasting scales; the ant colony and the city. Through a mass collaboration, ants are able to achieve their goals of finding food and building shelter. However this would not be achievable without social co-ordination, as no individual act can achieve these things alone. Without social coordination, it would simply be a swarm without any logic. Therefore, ignorance is useful as no ant rebels or questions their task, but rather follows social patterns.
In order to study the behavioural patterns of the ants, Johnson investigates the behavioural patters and social interactions between the ants. Whilst searing for food in the same region, colonies are often faced with one another. In spite of the older colonies ignoring the presence of foreign colonies, the younger ones tend to be more aggressive and threatened. However in order to recognize each others trails, contrasting ant colonies must interact with one another.
This same concept of swarm logic can also be applied to the social behaviours and interactions within the city. Similar to the ant colony, we are part of a system that is self organized. Johnson uses the example of contrasting ethnic groups that segregate themselves into specific areas. This results in a division of colonies within the existing city structure. However, it is through interactions between the groups and colonies that create an impact, similar to swarm logic.
Johnsons states that “local information can lead to global wisdom. ” Therefore we must pay attention to our neighbours and exchange information in order to achieve global wisdom.This is achieved in public squares and sidewalks, which create opportunities for interaction and the exchange of information. It is through this interaction with our neighbours that we are able to learn from one another and achieve global wisdom. Similar to the ants, by individually putting this information into the system we are effecting the masses.
This concept of emergence within the city scale may be classified as a ‘bottom up system.’ By responding the patterns that the city presents to us we do have more complex social systems in comparison to ants. While we do act collectively, we concisely make more individual decisions and act upon free will. These patterns may relate to the same patterns within algorithms as there is a simple rule that contains complex relations.