Complexity Theory and the Social Sciences: An IntroductionChaos and complexity are the new buzz words in both science and contemporary society. The ideas they represent have enormous implications for the way we understand and engage with the world. Complexity Theory and the Social Sciences introduces students to the central ideas which surround the chaos/complexity theories. It discusses key concepts before using them as a way of investigating the nature of social research. By applying them to such familiar topics as urban studies, education and health, David Byrne allows readers new to the subject to appreciate the contribution which complexity theory can make to social research and to illuminating the crucial social issues of our day. |
What people are saying - Write a review
We haven't found any reviews in the usual places.
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
absolutely achievement actual analysis approach areas assertion basis bifurcation Byrne causal changes chaos chaos theory chaos/complexity chaotic Chapter character characteristics cluster complex and contingent complexity theory condition space consider contingency table control parameters course crucial data sets dealing deindustrialisation derived describe dimensional discussion dissipative systems dynamic ecological fallacy educational effects emergent properties essentially evolutionary example fitness landscape Fordist Harvey and Reed Hayles historical holism household idea implications important individual inequality interaction interesting issue labour linear linear models locality mathematical measurement method models Mouzelis neighbourhoods non-linear ontology original emphasis particular phase space planning possible postmodernism postmodernist predict Prigogine quantitative programme realist reality reductionist Reed and Harvey relation relationship resonance salutogenesis schools scientific significance social science social systems sociology sort spatial specific statistical strange attractors structure Teesside trajectory transformation understanding urban values variables whole
Bibliographic information
| Title | Complexity Theory and the Social Sciences: An Introduction |
| Author | David Byrne |
| Publisher | Routledge, 2002 |
| ISBN | 1134714742, 9781134714742 |
| Length | 216 pages |
| Subjects | › › Social Science / Sociology / General |
| Export Citation | BiBTeX EndNote RefMan |