http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3 http://www.loc.gov/standards/mods/v3/mods-3-2.xsd
the complex dynamics of matter, mind, and mankind
1 online resource (x, 329 pages) : illustrations
The 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.
1. Introduction: From Linear to Nonlinear Thinking -- 2. Complex Systems and the Evolution of Matter. 2.1. Aristotle's Cosmos and the Logos of Heraclitus. 2.2. Newton's and Einstein's Universe and the Demon of Laplace. 2.3. Hamilton Systems and the Chaos of Heaven and the Quantum World. 2.4. Dissipative Systems and the Emergence of Order -- 3. Complex Systems and the Evolution of Life. 3.1. From Thales to Darwin. 3.2. Boltzmann's Thermodynamics and the Evolution of Life. 3.3. Complex Systems and the Evolution of Organisms. 3.4. Complex Systems and the Ecology of Populations -- 4. Complex Systems and the Evolution of Mind-Brain. 4.1. From Plato's Soul to Lamettrie's 'L'Homme machine'. 4.2. Complex Systems and Neural Networks. 4.3. Brain and the Emergence of Consciousness. 4.4. Intentionality and the Crocodile in the Brain -- 5. Complex Systems and the Evolution of Artificial Intelligence. 5.1. Leibniz and the Mathesis Universalis.
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Includes bibliographical references (pages 297-313) and indexes.
Berlin ; New York : Springer-Verlag, ©1994