A New Kind of ScienceThis work presents a series of dramatic discoveries never before made public. Starting from a collection of simple computer experiments---illustrated in the book by striking computer graphics---Wolfram shows how their unexpected results force a whole new way of looking at the operation of our universe. Wolfram uses his approach to tackle a remarkable array of fundamental problems in science: from the origin of the Second Law of thermodynamics, to the development of complexity in biology, the computational limitations of mathematics, the possibility of a truly fundamental theory of physics, and the interplay between free will and determinism. |
Contents
The Foundations for a New Kind of Science | 1 |
The Crucial Experiment | 23 |
The World of Simple Programs | 51 |
Copyright | |
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aa)a actually axiom system basic black cells blocks causal network cellular automata cellular automaton rule chapter complex behavior complicated Computational Equivalence computational irreducibility constraints continued fraction correspond cyclic tag system definite digit sequences discrete discussed effect elements emulate equations essentially evolution example facing page show fact functions fundamental given Golden Ratio happens idea initial conditions integers involve kind of science least linear congruential localized structures looks Mathematica mechanism mobile automaton models multiway system neighbors nested patterns nodes number of steps obtained occur particles particular patterns produced perception and analysis phenomenon physics pictures below show possible colors Principle of Computational random initial conditions register machine regular rule 30 seems simple programs somehow space specific square starting step 2 step strings substitution systems tend theorems total number totalistic traditional mathematical Turing machine turns two-dimensional typically underlying rules values yield