Complex Science for a Complex World: Exploring Human Ecosystems with Agents

Pascal Perez; David Batten

ISBN 10: 1920942386 / ISBN 13: 9781920942380

Published by Australian National University Press / ANU E, 2006

About this Item

Oversized paperback, xv + 334 pages, NOT ex-library. Dog-eared covers and first/last leaves, tiny folds to the page corners. Interior is clean and bright throughout, with unmarked text, free of inscriptions and stamps, firmly bound. Spine shows minor wear. Rubbing to cover edges. -- This peer-reviewed academic collection of essays and research papers is an interdisciplinary volume that integrates computer science, social science, and ecology to address contemporary environmental challenges. The book introduces a "new kind of science" focused on complex adaptive systems and the use of agent-based modelling to understand human-environment interactions. It outlines how agents - autonomous entities with individual goals and resources - can be used to simulate communication and collective adaptation within an ecosystem. Key chapters discuss the structure of social networks and the developing ontology of complexity science. David Batten contributes an analysis of "self-defeating systems" and the inherent uncertainty in managing evolving ecosystems. Gabriele Bammer presents a section on "Integration and Implementation Sciences" (I2S), proposing a new specialisation for tackling complex real-world problems. The work is regarded as a significant contribution to the field of human ecology, particularly for its focus on Australian ecosystems.

Seller Inventory # 013016

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Complex Science for a Complex World: Exploring Human Ecosystems with Agents
• Publisher: Australian National University Press / ANU E
• Publication Date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1920942386
• ISBN 13: 9781920942380
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: Good

About this title

Synopsis

It is well known that human activities are endangering the stability and sustainability of many fragile ecosystems to such an extent that their future is in doubt. At the same time, these ecosystems are inherently challenging to manage successfully because of the complexity and uncertainty associated with their ongoing evolution. Much of this complexity and uncertainty may be attributed to the human dimension. Thus it is imperative that we deepen our understanding of how and why people choose to interact with one another and how this interactive behaviour affects these ecosystems as time passes. Fortunately, a new kind of science is helping us deepen our understanding of how human ecosystems might grow and change over time. Beyond a mere collation of various reflections and applications, the chapters in this book aim to convince the reader that this new kind of science is worthy of our attention. It is a science that fully embraces the complexity of our surrounding world. It is also a science that addresses the frontiers of interactions between human behaviour and environmental responses. Furthermore, it is a science that challenges our limited understanding and treatment of uncertainty. And finally, because it is socially embedded, it is a science that can generate partnerships with local communities in a constructive manner. We hope that you will enjoy the reading of such a diverse 'ouvrage' whose purpose is to attract more early career scientists into our field of research and to convince decision-makers that a growing contingent of colleagues working on complexity theory can provide useful tools and methods to better understand complex and adaptive environments. It is time to reassure you (the reader) that the rise of a 'Complex Science for a Complex World' doesn't mean more complicated relationships between science and society.