Synopsis
A look at the rebellious thinkers who are challenging old ideas with their insights into the ways countless elements of complex systems interact to produce spontaneous order out of confusion
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Reviews
Waldrop presents his narrative of the "science of complexity in high screenplay style, offering a cast of five main characters. In general, he makes the emerging nature of complexity theory accessible to the general reader. He dissipates his advantage, however, in order to depict the personalities of the scientists he discusses, using at least three of them-Stuart Kauffman, Brian Arthur and Chris Langton-to act as interdisciplinary infielders of sorts, who relay the theory itself through a long subplot on structuring and funding the Santa Fe Institute in the 1970s. Complexity theory most likely will receive other, more rigorous examinations than Waldrop's, but he provides a good grounding of what may indeed be the first flowering of a new science.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
The Santa Fe Institute is an interdisciplinary think tank that has attracted the services of an electric and brilliant group of scholars. Here, economists work with biologists and physical scientists to develop theories that, many hope, will reveal that while natural systems may operate "at the edge of chaos," they are in fact self-organized. Thus conceived, the so-called science of complexity could explain the mysteries of how life began and might even predict global economic trends. The picture that emerges from this book, though, is that while many separate scientific endeavors overlap, a true conceptual synthesis is still a long way away. Waldrop writes in a very readable, sometimes overly light and chatty style, but by focusing so strongly on individual efforts, he inadvertently supports the impression that what is called the unified science of complexity is conjectural and quite fragmented. While this book succeeds as a chronicle of the Santa Fe Institute, it does not fully convince the reader that complexity represents a scientific revolution. Optional for public libraries.
- Gregg Sapp, Montana State Univ. Libs., Bozeman
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Other Popular Editions of the Same Title
Search results for Complexity: The Emerging Science at the Edge of Order...
Seller Image
Complexity: The Emerging Science at the Edge of Order and Chaos
Seller: Dream Books Co., Denver, CO, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: acceptable. This copy has clearly been enjoyedâ"expect noticeable shelf wear and some minor creases to the cover. Binding is strong, and all pages are legible. May contain previous library markings or stamps. Seller Inventory # DBV.0671767895.A
Seller Image
Complexity: The Emerging Science at the Edge of Order and Chaos
Seller: Dream Books Co., Denver, CO, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: good. Gently used with minimal wear on the corners and cover. A few pages may contain light highlighting or writing, but the text remains fully legible. Dust jacket may be missing, and supplemental materials like CDs or codes may not be included. May be ex-library with library markings. Ships promptly! Seller Inventory # DBV.0671767895.G
Stock Image
Complexity: The Emerging Science at the Edge of Order and Chaos
Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Fair. No Jacket. Missing dust jacket; Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0671767895I5N01
Stock Image
Complexity: The Emerging Science at the Edge of Order and Chaos
Seller: ThriftBooks-Dallas, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0671767895I3N00
Stock Image
Complexity: The Emerging Science at the Edge of Order and Chaos
Seller: World of Books (was SecondSale), Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. Item in good condition. Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc. Seller Inventory # 00103103550
Stock Image
Complexity: The Emerging Science at the Edge of Order and Chaos
Seller: World of Books (was SecondSale), Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. Item in very good condition! Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc. Seller Inventory # 00104571139
Stock Image
Complexity: The Emerging Science at the Edge of Order and Chaos
Seller: Wonder Book, Frederick, MD, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. Very Good condition. Good dust jacket. A copy that may have a few cosmetic defects. May also contain light spine creasing or a few markings such as an owner's name, short gifter's inscription or light stamp. Seller Inventory # M04D-03164
Seller Image
Complexity
Seller: Alcaná Libros, Madrid, M, Spain
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
tapa blanda. Condition: Bien. null Simon & Schuster. New York. 380 p. ; 24 cm. Encuadernación en tapa blanda de editorial. Idioma Inglés. the emerging science at the edge of order and chaos /. Includes bibliographical references (p. [360]-363) and index . ISBN: 0671767895 (=3045822=) LK227. Seller Inventory # 3045822
Stock Image
Complexity: The Emerging Science at the Edge of Order and Chaos
Seller: GoldBooks, Denver, CO, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: new. New Copy. Customer Service Guaranteed. Seller Inventory # 34Y43_68_0671767895
Stock Image
Complexity: The Emerging Science at the Edge of Order and Chaos
Seller: SHIMEDIA, Brooklyn, NY, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: New. Satisfaction Guaranteed or your money back. Seller Inventory # 0671767895