Information, Entropy, and Progress: A New Evolutionary Paradigm - Hardcover

Ayres, Robert U.

 
9780883189115: Information, Entropy, and Progress: A New Evolutionary Paradigm

Synopsis

Market: Those in economics, especially thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, cybernetics, information theory, resource use, and evolutionary economic behavior. This book presents an innovative and challenging look at evolution on several scales, from the earth and its geology and chemistry to living organisms to social and economic systems. Applying the principles of thermodynamics and the concepts of information gathering and self- organization, the author characterizes the direction of evolution in each case as an accumulation of "distinguishability" information--a type of universal knowledge.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

Synopsis

This text presents a challenging look at evolution on several scales, from the earth and its geology and chemistry, to living organisms, to social and economic systems, the manufacturing process, and the labour structure. Applying the principles of thermodynamics and the concepts of information gathering and self-organization, the author characterizes the direction of evolution in each case as an accumulation of "distinguishability" information - a type of universal knowledge. The book concludes with some speculations on the development of socio-economic systems and technological progress. Readers in many branches of science and economics, especially thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, cybernetics, information theory, resource use, and evolutionary economic behaviour and organization should find this book interesting.

About the Author

Robert U. Ayres, an American-born physicist and economist, is Emeritus Professor of Economics and Political Science at INSEAD, the international graduate business school. He is the author or coauthor of many books, including (with Benjamin Warr) "The Economic Growth Engine: How Energy and Work Drive Prosperity".

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.