Romansh: I ask, because by the definition you used ... of a material construction but itself is immaterial, to my understanding a pattern would fit the definition. > > > > That appears to be correct. > But for me this seems to be at least partially in conflict with when you replied to Tony.-The word unexpected in important. If it is designed to be expected, it is not emergent. > > Romansh: An unexpected functionality is based on a faulty model. If we had been discussing unexpected antagonistic effects rather than synergic effects then we would not be having this discussion of emergence at all.-That is exactly where we are at cross purposes. If we have a synergistic response then it is emergent, if unforeseen and undesigned from the material at hand, especially if we can find no reason for the appearance of the emergent function.