Thinking in Complexity The Complex Dynamics of Matter, Mind, and Mankind

Mainzer, Klaus

ISBN 10: 3540606378 / ISBN 13: 9783540606376

Published by Springer Verlag, Berlin, 1996

About this Item

Only slight wear to pictorial paper covered boards; A bright, solid book, text unmarked; 9.30 X 6.10 X 0.90 inches; 349 pages; The revised second edition of Mainzer's popular book. The theory of nonlinear complex systems has become a successful problem-solving approach in the natural sciences from laser physics, quantum chaos, and meteorology to computer simulations of cell growth in biology. It is now recognized that many of our social, ecological, and political problems are also of a global, complex, and nonlinear nature. And one of the most exciting contemporary topics is the idea that even the human mind is governed largely by the nonlinear dynamics of complex systems. In this wide-ranging but concise treatment, Prof. Mainzer discusses, in a nontechnical language, the common framework behind these endeavors. Emphasis is given to the evolution of new structures in natural and cultural systems and we see clearly how the new integrative approach can give insights not available from traditional reductionistic methods.

Seller Inventory # 16629

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Thinking in Complexity The Complex Dynamics of Matter, Mind, and Mankind
• Publisher: Springer Verlag, Berlin
• Publication Date: 1996
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3540606378
• ISBN 13: 9783540606376
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: Second Edition.
• Condition: Near Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: No Dust Jacket As Issued
• Seller catalogs:
  • SCIENCE

About this title

Synopsis

Book by Mainzer, Klaus

Review

Chaos is cropping up everywhere these days. As it becomes ever more apparent that Newtonian mechanics is inadequate for modeling nonlinear systems, or systems that have too many degrees of freedom to handle easily, researchers in all fields are turning toward nonlinear dynamics as a refreshing alternative. This is a paradigm shift à la Kuhn, and Klaus Mainzer guides us through it with an astounding range of historical and scientific knowledge. From quantum physics to consciousness to economics, Mainzer shows us how thinking complexly can solve problems over which standard, linear thinking continually stumbles. Instead of simplifying, however, Mainzer revels in the complexity of complexity, so the reader should be prepared for advanced concepts in such varied fields as mathematics, physics, and economics. Difficult, but worthwhile reading.