Complexity Explained

by Péter Érdi

This book explains why complex systems research is important in understanding the structure, function and dynamics of complex natural and social phenomena. It illuminates how complex collective behavior emerges from the parts of a system, due to the interaction between the system and its environment. Readers will learn the basic concepts and methods of complex system research. The book is not highly technical mathematically, but teaches and uses the basic mathematical notions of dynamical system theory, making the book useful for students of science majors and graduate courses.

Genres: Mathematics

412 pages, Hardcover

First published October 30, 2007

Reviews

[ShawnLeeZX · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book mostly to get a overall development of the discipline of complexity science. The structure of the book is good, though the development may require some level of familiarity of complexity science and solid math background. This is an rare book that actually discusses the broader philosophical implication of complexity now and then.

The thread that connects the book is the dynamic part of complex system. The energy landscape view is not discussed. Almost no discussion on the condensed matters, or related physics complex system, which is an important part of complexity science. This is the part I am mostly interested in details. Might need to get from somewhere else.

The part on the mind is skipped, since much neuroscience is discussed, and I am not plan to get into that level of detail yet. Also the part on game theory is also skipped.

[Craig · Rating 1 out of 5]

I give up. I tried to read this. I really did. But either math has gotten harder since I was in college, or my mind has dulled, or this is just really a badly written book. I was disorganized. It was onconsistently difficult. It had no direction. It was incomprehensible to me.