The Pattern of Change: A Mathematical and Philosophical Study of How We See the World

Moody, Robert V.,Deng, Ming-Dao

ISBN 10: 1009546538 / ISBN 13: 9781009546539

Published by Cambridge University Press, 2025

About this Item

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Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Pattern of Change: A Mathematical and Philosophical Study of How We See the World
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication Date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1009546538
• ISBN 13: 9781009546539
• Binding: paperback
• Condition: Very Good

About this title

Synopsis

One of life's most fundamental revelations is change. Presenting the fascinating view that pattern is the manifestation of change, this unique book explores the science, mathematics, and philosophy of change and the ways in which they have come to inform our understanding of the world. Through discussions on chance and determinism, symmetry and invariance, information and entropy, quantum theory and paradox, the authors trace the history of science and bridge the gaps between mathematical, physical, and philosophical perspectives. Change as a foundational concept is deeply rooted in ancient Chinese thought, and this perspective is integrated into the narrative throughout, providing philosophical counterpoints to customary Western thought. Ultimately, this is a book about ideas. Intended for a wide audience, not so much as a book of answers, but rather an introduction to new ways of viewing the world.

About the Authors

Robert V. Moody is a mathematician and co-discoverer of the Kac–Moody algebras, significant in mathematics and physics. He is a co-winner of the Wigner Medal and a member of the Royal Society of Canada (1980). He was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1991 and was the Founding Scientific Director of the Banff International Research Station (2001). He has published more than 100 papers on Lie theory and long-range aperiodic order.

Deng Ming-Dao is an author, artist, graphic designer, martial artist, and teacher. He is the author of twelve books on Daoism, including '365 Tao' (1992) and 'The Living I Ching' (2006), a translation and commentary on the ancient Chinese classic, 'The Book of Changes.' He brings a unique insight into traditional ideas of change and how patterns can be discerned using a combination of discrete and holistic approaches.