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ENERGY-SUBSTRATE SCALING: A UNIFIED THEORY OF TECHNOLOGICAL PROGRESS & DESCENT - Softcover
Book 1 of 3: Energy-Substrate Scaling: A Unified Theory of Complexity
Synopsis
Energy-Substrate Scaling proposes a unified theory of technological progress, arguing that breakthroughs, from steam engines to AI, remain inert until paired with an energy substrate capable of sustaining them. History’s decisive transitions (agrarian → industrial, fossil → post-carbon) were not driven by invention alone, but by energy surpluses meeting critical EROI thresholds.
The book examines:
- Novelty, Synergy, Transformation – Why some technologies scale (steam + coal) while others fail (Hero’s aeolipile)
- Collapse as Energy Descent – How Rome and Ming China unraveled when their energy substrates degraded
- Future Dilemmas – Why AI, quantum computing, and fusion face thermodynamic limits in a declining-EROI world
By integrating anthropology, complexity theory, and energy economics, this framework offers a lens for predicting which technologies will thrive—and which are doomed by energy realities.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
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Energy-Substrate Scaling (Paperback)
Print on DemandSeller: Grand Eagle Retail, Bensenville, IL, U.S.A.
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Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. Energy-Substrate Scaling proposes a unified theory of technological progress, arguing that breakthroughs, from steam engines to AI, remain inert until paired with an energy substrate capable of sustaining them. History's decisive transitions (agrarian industrial, fossil post-carbon) were not driven by invention alone, but by energy surpluses meeting critical EROI thresholds.The book examines: Novelty, Synergy, Transformation - Why some technologies scale (steam + coal) while others fail (Hero's aeolipile)Collapse as Energy Descent - How Rome and Ming China unraveled when their energy substrates degradedFuture Dilemmas - Why AI, quantum computing, and fusion face thermodynamic limits in a declining-EROI worldBy integrating anthropology, complexity theory, and energy economics, this framework offers a lens for predicting which technologies will thrive-and which are doomed by energy realities. This item is printed on demand. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9798241071248
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Energy-Substrate Scaling
Seller: PBShop.store US, Wood Dale, IL, U.S.A.
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PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # L2-9798241071248
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Energy-Substrate Scaling
Seller: PBShop.store UK, Fairford, GLOS, United Kingdom
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PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # L2-9798241071248
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Energy-Substrate Scaling (Paperback)
Print on DemandSeller: CitiRetail, Stevenage, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. Energy-Substrate Scaling proposes a unified theory of technological progress, arguing that breakthroughs, from steam engines to AI, remain inert until paired with an energy substrate capable of sustaining them. History's decisive transitions (agrarian industrial, fossil post-carbon) were not driven by invention alone, but by energy surpluses meeting critical EROI thresholds.The book examines: Novelty, Synergy, Transformation - Why some technologies scale (steam + coal) while others fail (Hero's aeolipile)Collapse as Energy Descent - How Rome and Ming China unraveled when their energy substrates degradedFuture Dilemmas - Why AI, quantum computing, and fusion face thermodynamic limits in a declining-EROI worldBy integrating anthropology, complexity theory, and energy economics, this framework offers a lens for predicting which technologies will thrive-and which are doomed by energy realities. This item is printed on demand. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9798241071248
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