The Garden in the Machine: The Emerging Science of Artificial Life
Emmeche, Claus
Sold by Aladdin Books, Fullerton, CA, U.S.A.
AbeBooks Seller since January 11, 2005
Used - Hardcover
Condition: Used - As new
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketSold by Aladdin Books, Fullerton, CA, U.S.A.
AbeBooks Seller since January 11, 2005
Condition: Used - As new
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketHardback book with dust jacket, both in excellent condition, dj not price clipped, no edge wear, no prior markings or bookplates, book looks unread.
Seller Inventory # 100351
What is life? Is it just the biologically familiar--birds, trees, snails, people--or is it an infinitely complex set of patterns that a computer could simulate? What role does intelligence play in separating the organic from the inorganic, the living from the inert? Does life evolve along a predestined path, or does it suddenly emerge from what appeared lifeless and programmatic?
 In this easily accessible and wide-ranging survey, Claus Emmeche outlines many of the challenges and controversies involved in the dynamic and curious science of artificial life. Emmeche describes the work being done by an international network of biologists, computer scientists, and physicists who are using computers to study life as it could be, or as it might evolve under conditions different from those on earth.
 Many artificial-life researchers believe that they can create new life in the computer by simulating the processes observed in traditional, biological life-forms. The flight of a flock of birds, for example, can be reproduced faithfully and in all its complexity by a relatively simple computer program that is designed to generate electronic "boids." Are these "boids" then alive? The central problem, Emmeche notes, lies in defining the salient differences between biological life and computer simulations of its processes. And yet, if we can breathe life into a computer, what might this mean for our other assumptions about what it means to be alive?
 The Garden in the Machine touches on every aspect of this complex and rapidly developing discipline, including its connections to artificial intelligence, chaos theory, computational theory, and studies of emergence. Drawing on the most current work in the field, this book is a major overview of artificial life. Professionals and nonscientists alike will find it an invaluable guide to concepts and technologies that may forever change our definition of life.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Payment with order. We accept Paypal, major credit cards via abebooks check-out system, or money orders.
Items are guaranteed to be as described with regard to condition, edition, and authenticity or provenance. No other warranty is expressed or implied.
Owner Name:  John T. Cannon dba Aladdin Books
Address: P.O. Box 152, Fullerton, CA 92836
Phone: 714: 738-6115
e-mail: aladdinbooks@earthlink.net
SHIPPING CHARGES: Please note that about 13.5% of the shipping and handling charge is retained by AbeBooks as a fee levied against the bookseller and not passed along for purchasing postage and packaging supplies. That is much of the reason why the shipping charge is significantly higher than actual postage costs. This is especially true for international shipping where international postal costs are high to begin with. Occasionally (such as when ordering a set of books) it will be necessary for us to ask domestic buyers for some additional shipping funds. In this case, after confirming your book(s) is available, we will ask AbeBooks to request appropriate additional shipping charges. In practice, this is a rare occurrence on domestic orders. See below for international shipping. PACKING: All books will be carefully packed to insure safe arrival. We use either quality shipping boxes or other shipping containers augmented by bubble, paper cushioning, or cardboard chipboard to insure safe delivery in the same condition as book was sent. INTERNATIONAL ORDERS: Our default shipping cost is for shipping in a flat rate global priority envelope, small box, or flat rate bag. If your book is too large or too expensive to ship in these containers we will be asking AbeBooks to request adequate additional funds so we can ship your book safely and securely. All international shipments will be listed as books-merchandise on customs forms with value as actual invoice cost. No exceptions. If you have any concerns, please contact us via e mail prior to placing an order for an accurate shipping quotation.
| Order quantity | 5 to 14 business days | 3 to 6 business days | 
|---|---|---|
| First item | US$ 8.95 | US$ 22.00 | 
Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.




