Chance And Chaos (Penguin Science S.) - Softcover

Ruelle, David

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0140171088 ISBN 13: 9780140171082

Publisher: Penguin, 1993

Synopsis

How do scientists look at chance, or randomness, and chaos in physical systems? In this study, David Ruelle explores game theory, probability, classical chaos and quantum uncertainty among many other topics. Since many systems are highly sensitive to initial conditions, the consequences of tiny exchanges in the variables can be enormous. Ruelle applies this insight to the understanding of turbulence, "strange attractors", entropy, black holes, information and intelligence.

About this title

Review

A deep, thoughtful book, simply written, and a joy to read.--Ian Stewart "The Times Higher Education Supplement "

Sets out the basics with precision, concision, and humor. . . . [Some books], perhaps the best books, are to be read for the pleasure of the author's company. Ruelle's book falls into [that] category.--Tony Rothman "The New Republic "

Step by step, Mr. Ruelle introduces concepts needed to understand the physical landscape of chance and chaos, explaining the meaning of probability, the ways of turbulent fluids, and the mathematical value of information. . . . Throughout, "Chance and Chaos" is spiced with the author's dry wit and unsparing judgments about scientists and science. . . . [This is] an expertly guided tour of some of the fundamental issues in the world of physics.--David Voss "The New York Times Book Review "

. . . by one of the founders of the rapidly developing field of nonlinear dynamics and chaos. . . . The book is a tour de force.--Malcolm S. Longair "Natural History "

The book is an excellent read, either at one gulp or as chapter-by-chapter snacks.--Robert M. May "Nature "
Step by step, Mr. Ruelle introduces concepts needed to understand the
physical landscape of chance and chaos, explaining the meaning of
probability, the ways of turbulent fluids, and the mathematical value of
information. . . . Throughout, "Chance and Chaos" is spiced with the
author's dry wit and unsparing judgments about scientists and science. . . .
[This is] an expertly guided tour of some of the fundamental issues in the
world of physics.
--David Voss "The New York Times Book Review "
. . . by one of the founders of the rapidly developing field of nonlinear
dynamics and chaos. . . . The book is a tour de force.
--Malcolm S. Longair "Natural History "
Sets out the basics with precision, concision, and humor. . . . [Some
books], perhaps the best books, are to be read for the pleasure of the
author's company. Ruelle's book falls into [that] category.
--Tony Rothman "The New Republic "
The book is an excellent read, either at one gulp or as chapter-by-chapter
snacks.
--Robert M. May "Nature "
A deep, thoughtful book, simply written, and a joy to read.
--Ian Stewart "The Times Higher Education Supplement "

About the Author

David Ruelle is Professor of Theoretical Physics at the Institut des Hautes Etudes Scientifiques, Bures-sur-Yvette.

Edition details

• Publisher: Penguin
• Publication date: 1993
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0140171088
• ISBN 13: 9780140171082
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 208