Structure: In Science and Art (Darwin College Lectures, Series Number 12)

Bridges and buildings, DNA, the periodic table, flora and fauna, machines, circuits, human beings and their societies, even thoughts and ideas--all can be understood as particular structures that are part of our experience of the world. Yet, the notion of structure, is far more intangible. Too often, the implication is of something rigid and complete, yet structure and the process of structuring can be both open and dynamic. These eight essays consider structure as an inclusive, open-ended theme offering itself to interpretation within many disciplines of the sciences, arts and humanities. Each contribution ponders and assesses the role of structure in a particular discipline by an author eminent in that field. In doing so, the essays become acts of "structuring structure," true to the rich, dynamic nature of the topic.

From buildings to DNA, the periodic table to society and human thought itself--structure is everywhere in our world. This unique interdisciplinary book considers the notion of structure in an inclusive, open-ended way covering engineering, physical sciences, arts, philosophy and the humanities. Each of the eight essays examines the role of structure in a particular discipline by an author eminent in that field. In doing so, the essays themselves become acts of 'structuring structure', true to the rich, dynamic nature of the topic.