Explaining ChaosChaotic dynamics has been hailed as the third great scientific revolution in physics in this century, comparable to relativity and quantum mechanics. In this book, Peter Smith takes a cool, critical look at such claims. He cuts through the hype and rhetoric by explaining some of the basic mathematical ideas in a clear and accessible way, and by carefully discussing the methodological issues that arise. In particular, he explores the new kinds of explanation of empirical phenomena that modern dynamics can deliver. Explaining Chaos will be compulsory reading for philosophers of science and for anyone who has wondered about the conceptual foundations of chaos theory. |
Contents
Preface | 2 |
Chaos introduced | 15 |
Intricacy and simplicity | 39 |
Approximate truth | 71 |
Universality | 91 |
Explanation | 111 |
Worldly chaos | 132 |
Randomness | 147 |
Defining chaos | 165 |
Notes | 185 |
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Common terms and phrases
applied approximate truth approximately attracting attractor behaviour binary changes chaos chaos theory chaotic chapter claim close complex consider construction continuous count curve defined definition detail determinism deterministic dimension divider dynamics effect empirical equations error eventually example explanation fact Figure finite folding fractal function further give given going happens Hence idea increases infinite initial initial conditions interest interval kind least length less limit logistic map look Lorenz mathematical means measure natural noted notion orbits original pair parameter particular pattern perhaps period period-doubling phase space physical possible precise predictions produce quantities question random reason region representing result scaling seems sense sensitive dependence sequence simple solution sort spread standard starting story stretching structure suggested suppose theory tion trajectories true typical values various