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More copies of this ISBN:This title in other formats:Complexity: The Emerging Science at the Edge of Order and Chaosby M Mitchell Waldrop
Synopses & ReviewsPublisher Comments:Why did the stock market crash more than 500 points on a single Monday in 1987? Why do ancient species often remain stable in the fossil record for millions of years and then suddenly disappear? In a world where nice guys often finish last, why do humans value trust and cooperation? At first glance these questions don't appear to have anything in common, but in fact every one of these statements refers to a complex system. The science of complexity studies how single elements, such as a species or a stock, spontaneously organize into complicated structures like ecosystems and economies; stars become galaxies, and snowflakes avalanches almost as if these systems were obeying a hidden yearning for order. Drawing from diverse fields, scientific luminaries such as Nobel Laureates Murray Gell-Mann and Kenneth Arrow are studying complexity at a think tank called The Santa Fe Institute. The revolutionary new discoveries researchers have made there could change the face of every science from biology to cosmology to economics. M. Mitchell Waldrop's groundbreaking bestseller takes readers into the hearts and minds of these scientists to tell the story behind this scientific revolution as it unfolds. Review:The New York Times Book ReviewLucidly shows physicists, biologists, computer scientists and economists swapping metaphors and reveling in the sense that epochal discoveries are just around the corner....[Waldrop] has a special talent for relaying the exhilaration of moments of intellectual insight. Review:Douglas R. Hofstadterauthor of Götel, Esther, BachOne comes away from Complexity both intellectually excited by ideas and emotionally involved with the people struggling to formulate them. This is a deep tale of science in the making. Review:The Washington PostIf you liked Chaos, you'll love Complexity. Waldrop creates the most exciting intellectual adventure story of the year. Review:Heinz PagelsphysicistI am convinced that the nations and people who master the new sciences of complexity will become the economic, cultural, and political superpowers of the next century. Description:Includes bibliographical references (p. [360]-363) and index. About the AuthorM. Mitchell Waldrop has his doctorate in elementary particle physics and is the author of Man-Made Minds. He spent ten years as a senior writer for Science magazine, where he is now a contributing correspondent. Table of ContentsContents Visions of the Whole 1. The Irish Idea of a Hero 2. The Revolt of the Old Turks 3. Secrets of the Old One 4. "You Guys Really Believe That?" 5. Master of the Game 6. Life at the Edge of Chaos 7. Peasants Under Glass 8. Waiting for Carnot 9. Work in Progress Bibliography Acknowledgments Index What Our Readers Are SayingBe the first to add a comment for a chance to win!Product Details
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