Description

Title: Emergence: From Chaos to Order
Author/Publisher: John H. Holland, Basic Books
Publication Year: 1999
Format: 272-page Trade Paperback

Synopsys: Emergence: From Chaos to Order' is an explorative work by renowned scientist and author John H. Holland. The book investigates the concept of 'emergence,' a process where simple entities come together to form complex systems, often resulting in fresh, unexpected phenomena. Using examples from a plethora of fields such as biology, economics, and computer science, the book unravels the underlying theories and principles that lead to the emergence phenomenon. Holland expertly links this to the adaptive nature of human and artificial systems, opening up new perspectives about how complex systems like the internet, a city, or the brain work. With its comprehensive and insightful analysis, the book seeks to answer the profound question of how order can emerge from chaos.

Synopsis

In this insightful First Edition, renowned scientist John H. Holland explores the fascinating concept of 'emergence' – the profound process through which complex, novel systems arise from the interactions of simpler components. Published in 1999, this seminal work delves into how seemingly disparate elements can spontaneously organise to create intricate patterns and behaviours.

Holland’s work, a cornerstone in the field of complexity science, provides a comprehensive investigation into how order can manifest from chaos. The book presents an interdisciplinary perspective, drawing on a wealth of examples from diverse fields including biology, economics, and computer science, to illuminate the fundamental principles governing the formation of fresh, unexpected phenomena.

• The Core of Emergence: Holland meticulously defines and illustrates the core mechanisms behind emergent phenomena, explaining how collective behaviours and structures transcend the sum of their individual parts.
• Interdisciplinary Synthesis: The narrative weaves through various scientific disciplines, showcasing how the principles of emergence are universally applicable, from cellular automata to market dynamics and evolutionary biology.
• From Disorder to Organisation: This volume examines the critical transition from chaotic systems to self-organising structures, offering profound insights into the spontaneous creation of order in complex adaptive systems.

As a First Edition by a pioneering figure in complexity theory, this volume offers a foundational perspective on how intricate systems evolve. The presence of an ex-libris, inscription, and personalisation suggests a cherished copy with a unique provenance, adding a distinct layer of interest for collectors of significant scientific literature.

Condition

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