Symmetry and Complexity: The Spirit and Beauty of Nonlinear ScienceCosmic evolution leads from symmetry to complexity by symmetry breaking and phase transitions. The emergence of new order and structure in nature and society is explained by physical, chemical, biological, social and economic self-organization, according to the laws of nonlinear dynamics. All these dynamical systems are considered computational systems processing information and entropy. Are symmetry and complexity only useful models of science or are they universals of reality? Symmetry and Complexity discusses the fascinating insights gained from natural, social and computer sciences, philosophy and the arts. With many diagrams and pictures, this book illustrates the spirit and beauty of nonlinear science. In the complex world of globalization, it strongly argues for unity in diversity. |
Contents
Introduction | 1 |
1 Symmetry and Complexity in Early Culture and Philosophy | 23 |
2 Symmetry and Complexity in Mathematics | 63 |
3 Symmetry and Complexity in Physical Sciences | 107 |
4 Symmetry and Complexity in Chemical Sciences | 171 |
5 Symmetry and Complexity in Life Sciences | 199 |
6 Symmetry and Complexity in Economic and Social Sciences | 239 |
7 Symmetry and Complexity in Computer Science | 273 |
8 Symmetry and Complexity in Philosophy and Arts | 329 |
References | 389 |
| 425 | |
| 435 | |
Other editions - View all
Symmetry and Complexity: The Spirit and Beauty of Nonlinear Science Klaus Mainzer Limited preview - 2005 |
Symmetry and Complexity: The Spirit and Beauty of Nonlinear Science Klaus Mainzer Limited preview - 2005 |
Common terms and phrases
3-dimensional According atoms attractors behavior biological brain cells cellular automata chaos chaotic characterized chemical classical complex systems computational concept conservation coordinates corresponding cosmic defined described determined differential equations dimensions distribution dynamical systems economic Einstein’s electromagnetic electrons elementary particles elements emergence energy entropy equilibrium Euclidean evolution example forces fractal frieze groups function geometry global gravitation harmony human increasing Julia sets laws linear local symmetry macroscopic mathematical metric models modern molecular molecules motion Nash equilibrium nature neural neurons nonlinear dynamics observed orbitals order parameters organisms patterns phase transitions philosophy physical plane Platonic player Poincaré map polygons possible principle processes proportions Pythagorean quantum mechanics random reflection regular represented rotation self-organization sequence social solutions space space-time spatial stable strategy structures superstring theories symmetry and complexity symmetry breaking theory thermodynamics tion transformations translations Turing universe unstable weak interaction