Randomnicity: Rules And Randomness In The Realm Of The Infinite - Softcover

Tsonis, Anastasios A

 
9781848162051: Randomnicity: Rules And Randomness In The Realm Of The Infinite
Softcover
ISBN 10: 1848162057 ISBN 13: 9781848162051
Publisher: Icp, 2008

Synopsis

This unique book explores the definition, sources and role of randomness. A joyful discussion with many non-mathematical and mathematical examples leads to the identification of three sources of randomness: randomness due to irreversibility which inhibits us from extracting whatever rules may underlie a process, randomness due to our inability to have infinite power (chaos), and randomness due to many interacting systems. Here, all sources are found to have something in common: infinity. The discussion then moves to the physical system (our universe). Through the quantum mechanical character of small scales, the second law of thermodynamics and chaos, randomness is shown to be an intrinsic property of nature ― this is consistent with the three sources of randomness identified above. Finally, an explanation is given as to why rules and randomness cannot exist by themselves, but instead have to coexist. Many examples are presented, ranging from pure mathematical to natural and social processes, that clearly demonstrate how the combination of rules and randomness produces the world we live in.

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

Synopsis

This unique book explores the definition, sources and role of randomness. A joyful discussion with many non-mathematical and mathematical examples leads to the identification of three sources of randomness: randomness due to irreversibility which inhibits us from extracting whatever rules may underlie a process, randomness due to our inability to have infinite power (chaos), and randomness due to many interacting systems. Here, all sources are found to have something in common: infinity. The discussion then moves to the physical system (our universe).Through the quantum mechanical character of small scales, the second law of thermodynamics and chaos, randomness is shown to be an intrinsic property of nature - this is consistent with the three sources of randomness identified above. Finally, an explanation is given as to why rules and randomness cannot exist by themselves, but instead have to coexist. Many examples are presented, ranging from pure mathematical to natural and social processes, that clearly demonstrate how the combination of rules and randomness produces the world we live in.

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

Publisher
Icp
Publication date
2008
Language
English
ISBN 10 
1848162057
ISBN 13 
9781848162051
Binding
Paperback
Number of pages
204

Other Popular Editions of the Same Title

9781848161979: RANDOMNICITY: Rules and Randomness in the Realm of the Infinite

Featured Edition

ISBN 10:  1848161972 ISBN 13:  9781848161979
Publisher: Imperial College Press, 2008
Hardcover