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Applications of Automata Theory and Algebra: Via the Mathematical Theory of Complexity to Biology, Physics, Psychology, Philosophy, and Games by John L. Rhodes (2009) Paperback
Excellent Book
Paperback
First published October 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 3, 2016
At first read, I was uncertain if the author was crazy or a genius. After reading it a couple times, I think it's the latter, but the excitement of the author could be misconstrued for lunacy, or vice-versa.
One of the first (perhaps the only) book to discuss semigroups from the perspective of computation, and as a "theory of time" (in the sense that sequence of events/transformations is a "theory of time").
Discusses physics from this perspective, which is done in the "obvious way": the time-evolution of a system is the principal problem in physics, which is an obvious semigroup problem.
Likewise in biology, the cell has two "subsystems", namely some "metabolism" subsystem and a "genetic" subsystem. These are examples of computational processes, which are themselves semigroups.
One of the first (perhaps the only) book to discuss semigroups from the perspective of computation, and as a "theory of time" (in the sense that sequence of events/transformations is a "theory of time").
Discusses physics from this perspective, which is done in the "obvious way": the time-evolution of a system is the principal problem in physics, which is an obvious semigroup problem.
Likewise in biology, the cell has two "subsystems", namely some "metabolism" subsystem and a "genetic" subsystem. These are examples of computational processes, which are themselves semigroups.
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December 31, 2018The "field of algebraic engineering" has apparently been "emerging" for half a century. No results so far.
Mathematically, what's the great insight of semigroups over groups? The wreath product is like a normal group product plus time going forward. OK. And?
Cool pictures of the Crebbs cycle. I would rather read his biology chapter than a biology textbook's.
An exciting book I would show to young people to get them excited about theory. For mature adults, getting really hyper about applications of theory doesn't cut the mustard.
Mathematically, what's the great insight of semigroups over groups? The wreath product is like a normal group product plus time going forward. OK. And?
Cool pictures of the Crebbs cycle. I would rather read his biology chapter than a biology textbook's.
An exciting book I would show to young people to get them excited about theory. For mature adults, getting really hyper about applications of theory doesn't cut the mustard.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews