Thinking in Complexity: The Complex Dynamics of Matter, Mind, and MankindThe theory of nonlinear complex systems has become a successful and widely used problem-solving approach in the natural sciences - from laser physics, quantum chaos and meteorology to molecular modeling in chemistry and computer simulations of cell growth in biology. In recent times it has been recognized that many of the social, ecological and political problems of mankind are also of a global, complex and nonlinear nature. And one of the most exciting topics of present scientific and public interest 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 nontechnical language, the common framework behind these endeavours. Special emphasis is given to the evolution of new structures in natural and cultural systems and it is seen clearly how the new integrative approach of complexity theory can give new insights that were not available using traditional reductionistic methods. |
Contents
Complex Systems and the Evolution | 5 |
Aristotles Cosmos and the Logos | 15 |
29 | 53 |
Copyright | |
6 other sections not shown
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Thinking in Complexity: The Complex Dynamics of Matter, Mind, and Mankind Klaus Mainzer Limited preview - 2013 |
Thinking in Complexity: The Complex Dynamics of Matter, Mind, and Mankind Klaus Mainzer Limited preview - 2013 |
Common terms and phrases
algorithm animals Aristotle assumed atoms attractors autocatalysis behavior biological Boltzmann brain causal caused cells century chaos chaotic chemical classical classical mechanics complex system approach complex systems concepts conservative coordinates corresponding cortex critical value Descartes described deterministic dissipative systems dynamical systems economic elementary particles elements emergence energy entropy evolution equations example expert systems explained fluctuations forces fractal framework of complex function geometric global Hamiltonian systems human idea initial input instance interpreted layer Leibniz linear machine macroscopic mathematical modern molecules motion nature neural networks neurons Newton's Newtonian nonlinear interactions observed Obviously order parameters organisms oscillators output pattern phase portrait phase space phase transition philosophers physics populations possible principle problem procedure quantum mechanics quantum systems represented second law Sect self-organization sense simulated social society strategy structure superposition symmetry breaking synergetic teleology theory thermal equilibrium thermodynamics tion trajectories Turing vector field velocity visualized