Description
Book SynopsisThe book provides a non-specialist introduction to the reasons why we can make sense of the world around and within us, facing the oceans of complexity which inhabit both. The book provides a scientific and easily accessible description of some of the key physical mechanisms by which the wonderful gift of life materializes in the natural world.
Trade ReviewThis book gives a nontechnical survey of complex systems, strongly emphasizing the connection of fundamental physics to biology. Starting with a very nice foundational discussion, the Succi goes on to look at the connection developed by Boltzmann between microscopic physics and macroscopic biology...the thoughtful reader will be rewarded. * Choice *
This is an interesting exploration of how the complex macroscopic world is derivable from microscopic physics, and how the non-linearity of complex systems leads to issues of predictability and at the same time accounts for physical structures. The author gives personal comments on his own appreciation of the physics throughout the book, as well as a thought-provoking conclusion suggesting that our experience of time is a consequence of the emergence of complexity. * E. Kincanon, Gonzaga University, CHOICE connect *
Complexity is between the two infinities "very big" and "very small" - always a fascinating subject. The author explains things in a very easy-going way, and adds some entertaining stories and thoughts which make it entertaining to read. * Christian Beck, Queen Mary University of London *
Complexity science is of critical importance in the modern world, but not on the radar screen of the average reader. This book, designed for the general public, is intended to fix that problem in a very enjoyable and entertaining style. * Bruce Boghosian, Tufts University *
A fresh and competent view on a very interesting scientific topic. * Guido Caldarelli, School IMT Alti Studi Lucca *
Sauro Succi's new book is both superb and essential. Succi, with clarity and wit, takes us from quarks and Boltzmann to soft matter - precisely the frontier of physics and life. Someone said, “There is no truth beyond magic”. Succi shows us the magic at the edge of life. * Stuart Kauffman, MacArthur Fellow, Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, Gold Medal Accademia Lincea *
Table of ContentsPreface Part 1: COMPLEXITY 1: Introducing Complexity 2: The Guiding Barriers 3: Competition and Cooperation 4: Nonlinearity, The Mother of Complexity 5: The Dark Side of Nonlinearity 6: The Bright Side of Nonlinearity 7: Networks, The Fabric of Complexity Part 2: THE SCIENCE OF CHANGE 8: Good Old Thermodynamics 9: The Man Who Trusted Atoms 10: Biological Escapes 11: Cosmological Escapes 12: Free Energy Part 3: THE PHYSICS-BIOLOGY INTERFACE 13: Survival in Molecular Hyperland, the Ozland Valleys 14: Free Energy Funnels 15: Soft Matter, The Stu that Dreams Are Made Of 16: Water, the Wonderuid Part 4: COMPLEXITY AND THE HUMAN CONDITION 17: Time and the Complexity of the Human Condition 18: Harness the Hybris: Hallelujah! 19: Appendices Epilogue Acknowledgements References
