Symptoms of Chaos Symptoms of Chaos We are beginning to sharpen our definition of a chaotic system. First of all, it is a deterministic system. For example, 'bifurcation', defined here as a period doubling has come to be used to refer to any qualititave change. Even the term 'chaos', has become synomous, for some, with 'overwhelming anxiety'.
Metaphors enrich our understanding, and have helped extend nonlinear thinking into new areas.