Explaining Chaos - Softcover

Smith, Peter

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521477476 ISBN 13: 9780521477475

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1998

Synopsis

Chaotic dynamics has been hailed as the third great scientific revolution in physics in this century, comparable to relativity and quantum mechanics. In this book, Peter Smith takes a cool, critical look at such claims. He cuts through the hype and rhetoric by explaining some of the basic mathematical ideas in a clear and accessible way, and by carefully discussing the methodological issues that arise. In particular, he explores the new kinds of explanation of empirical phenomena that modern dynamics can deliver. Explaining Chaos will be compulsory reading for philosophers of science and for anyone who has wondered about the conceptual foundations of chaos theory.

About this title

Book Description:

Chaotic dynamics has been hailed as the third great scientific revolution in physics this century, comparable to relativity and quantum mechanics. In this book, Peter Smith takes a cool, critical look at such claims. He cuts through the hype and rhetoric by explaining some of the basic mathematical ideas in a clear and accessible way, and by carefully discussing the methodological issues which arise. Explaining Chaos will be compulsory reading for philosophers of science and for anyone who has wondered about the conceptual foundations of chaos theory.

Review:

' ... attractively written and should be accessible to many without advanced mathematical ability, it is a book for readers who are interested in what we mean by scientific understanding and in what confidence we can place in the statements of science.' Contemporary Physics

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0521477476
• ISBN 13: 9780521477475
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 204