Items related to What Is Random?: Chance and Order in Mathematics and...
Synopsis
In this fascinating book, mathematician Ed Beltrami takes a close enough look at randomness to make it mysteriously disappear. The results of coin tosses, it turns out, are determined from the start, and only our incomplete knowledge makes them look random. "Random" sequences of numbers are more elusive, but Godels undecidability theorem informs us that we will never know. Those familiar with quantum indeterminacy assert that order is an illusion, and that the world is fundamentally random. Yet randomness is also an illusion. Perhaps order and randomness, like waves and particles, are only two sides of the same (tossed) coin.
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About the Author
Edward Beltrami is Professor of Applied Mathematics and Statistics at the State University of New York at Stoney Brook. His professional interests are in the application of dynamical systems, including algae dynamics and blood clotting. He is also an ardent wine aficionado and writes for several wine publications.
From the Inside Flap
We all know what randomness is. Or do we? Randomness turns out to be one of those concepts that works just fine on an everyday level but mysteriously disappears once we closely examine its fine structure. Using a mathematical approach, the author removes much of the vagueness that encumbers the concept of randomness and permits us to quantify what would otherwise remain elusive. Mathematics also provides a framework for unifying how chance is interpreted from the diverse perspectives of psychologists, physicists, computer scientists, and communication theorists. This book will provoke, entertain, and inform by challenging your ideas about randomness, providing different interpretations of what this elusive concept means. As the book progresses, you will see how mathematics, communication engineering, computer science, philosophy, physics, and psychology all contribute to the discourse by illuminating different facets of the same idea.
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What Is Random?: Chance and Order in Mathematics and Life
Published by
Springer-Verlag New York Inc., 1999
ISBN 10: 0387987371
ISBN 13: 9780387987378
Used
Hardcover
Seller: World of Books (was SecondSale), Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardback. Condition: Very Good. (Not for distribution) We all know what randomness is. We sometimes choose between options at random, and if we toss a coin we know it will land heads or tails at random. But are events like these truly random? Randomness turns out to be one of those concepts, like solid matter in physics, that works just fine on an everyday level but mysteriously disappears once we move in to examine its fine structure. In this fascinating book, mathematician Ed Beltrami takes a close enough look at randomness to make it mysteriously disappear. The results of coin tosses, it turns out, are determined from the start, and only our incomplete knowledge makes them look random. Random sequences of numbers are more elusive--they may be truly random, but Godel's undecidability theorem informs us that we'll never know. Their apparent randomness may be only a shortcoming of our minds. Mathematicians have even discovered a string of numbers that appears random--but when you reverse the string, it's completely deterministic People familiar with quantum indeterminacy tell us that order is an illusion, and that the world is fundamentally random. Yet randomness is also an illusion. Then which is real? Perhaps order and randomness, like waves and particles, are only two sides of the same coin. Seller Inventory # 00100715497
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What Is Random? : Chance and Order in Mathematics and Life
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. 1999th Edition. Former library copy. Pages intact with minimal writing/highlighting. The binding may be loose and creased. Dust jackets/supplements are not included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good. Seller Inventory # 4247919-6
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What Is Random? : Chance and Order in Mathematics and Life
Seller: Better World Books: West, Reno, NV, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. 1999th Edition. Former library copy. Pages intact with minimal writing/highlighting. The binding may be loose and creased. Dust jackets/supplements are not included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good. Seller Inventory # 4247919-6
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What Is Random?: Chance and Order in Mathematics and Life
Published by
Springer-Verlag New York Inc., 1999
ISBN 10: 0387987371
ISBN 13: 9780387987378
Used
Hardcover
Seller: World of Books Inc, Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Hardback. Condition: Very Good. (Not for distribution) We all know what randomness is. We sometimes choose between options at random, and if we toss a coin we know it will land heads or tails at random. But are events like these truly random? Randomness turns out to be one of those concepts, like solid matter in physics, that works just fine on an everyday level but mysteriously disappears once we move in to examine its fine structure. In this fascinating book, mathematician Ed Beltrami takes a close enough look at randomness to make it mysteriously disappear. The results of coin tosses, it turns out, are determined from the start, and only our incomplete knowledge makes them look random. Random sequences of numbers are more elusive--they may be truly random, but Godel's undecidability theorem informs us that we'll never know. Their apparent randomness may be only a shortcoming of our minds. Mathematicians have even discovered a string of numbers that appears random--but when you reverse the string, it's completely deterministic People familiar with quantum indeterminacy tell us that order is an illusion, and that the world is fundamentally random. Yet randomness is also an illusion. Then which is real? Perhaps order and randomness, like waves and particles, are only two sides of the same coin. Seller Inventory # CIN0387987371VG
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What Is Random?: Chance and Order in Mathematics and Life
Seller: HPB-Ruby, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
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hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority! Seller Inventory # S_441620500
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What Is Random?: Chance and Order in Mathematics and Life
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Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0387987371I4N00
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What Is Random?: Chance and Order in Mathematics and Life
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Hardcover. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Former library book; Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0387987371I3N10
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What Is Random?: Chance and Order in Mathematics and Life
Seller: HPB-Diamond, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
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hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority! Seller Inventory # S_478285949
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What is Random: Chance and Order in Mathematics and Life
Published by
Copernicus (1999) no place given, 1999
ISBN 10: 0387987371
ISBN 13: 9780387987378
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First Edition
Seller: Prairie Archives, Springfield, IL, U.S.A.
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Very good in lightly edgeworn dust jacket First Printing hardbound. Seller Inventory # BOOKS012395
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What Is Random? chance and order in mathematics and life
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Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. Minor shelf wear, price lightly pencilled in, PO name and address in ink, otherwise clean ; 0.9 x 8.34 x 5.35 Inches. Seller Inventory # 30403