Author: William Bechtel
Publisher: MIT Press
ISBN: 0262514737
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 341
Book Description
An analysis of two heuristic strategies for the development of mechanistic models, illustrated with historical examples from the life sciences. In Discovering Complexity, William Bechtel and Robert Richardson examine two heuristics that guided the development of mechanistic models in the life sciences: decomposition and localization. Drawing on historical cases from disciplines including cell biology, cognitive neuroscience, and genetics, they identify a number of "choice points" that life scientists confront in developing mechanistic explanations and show how different choices result in divergent explanatory models. Describing decomposition as the attempt to differentiate functional and structural components of a system and localization as the assignment of responsibility for specific functions to specific structures, Bechtel and Richardson examine the usefulness of these heuristics as well as their fallibility—the sometimes false assumption underlying them that nature is significantly decomposable and hierarchically organized. When Discovering Complexity was originally published in 1993, few philosophers of science perceived the centrality of seeking mechanisms to explain phenomena in biology, relying instead on the model of nomological explanation advanced by the logical positivists (a model Bechtel and Richardson found to be utterly inapplicable to the examples from the life sciences in their study). Since then, mechanism and mechanistic explanation have become widely discussed. In a substantive new introduction to this MIT Press edition of their book, Bechtel and Richardson examine both philosophical and scientific developments in research on mechanistic models since 1993.
Discovering Complexity
Author: William Bechtel
Publisher: MIT Press
ISBN: 0262514737
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 341
Book Description
An analysis of two heuristic strategies for the development of mechanistic models, illustrated with historical examples from the life sciences. In Discovering Complexity, William Bechtel and Robert Richardson examine two heuristics that guided the development of mechanistic models in the life sciences: decomposition and localization. Drawing on historical cases from disciplines including cell biology, cognitive neuroscience, and genetics, they identify a number of "choice points" that life scientists confront in developing mechanistic explanations and show how different choices result in divergent explanatory models. Describing decomposition as the attempt to differentiate functional and structural components of a system and localization as the assignment of responsibility for specific functions to specific structures, Bechtel and Richardson examine the usefulness of these heuristics as well as their fallibility—the sometimes false assumption underlying them that nature is significantly decomposable and hierarchically organized. When Discovering Complexity was originally published in 1993, few philosophers of science perceived the centrality of seeking mechanisms to explain phenomena in biology, relying instead on the model of nomological explanation advanced by the logical positivists (a model Bechtel and Richardson found to be utterly inapplicable to the examples from the life sciences in their study). Since then, mechanism and mechanistic explanation have become widely discussed. In a substantive new introduction to this MIT Press edition of their book, Bechtel and Richardson examine both philosophical and scientific developments in research on mechanistic models since 1993.
Publisher: MIT Press
ISBN: 0262514737
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 341
Book Description
An analysis of two heuristic strategies for the development of mechanistic models, illustrated with historical examples from the life sciences. In Discovering Complexity, William Bechtel and Robert Richardson examine two heuristics that guided the development of mechanistic models in the life sciences: decomposition and localization. Drawing on historical cases from disciplines including cell biology, cognitive neuroscience, and genetics, they identify a number of "choice points" that life scientists confront in developing mechanistic explanations and show how different choices result in divergent explanatory models. Describing decomposition as the attempt to differentiate functional and structural components of a system and localization as the assignment of responsibility for specific functions to specific structures, Bechtel and Richardson examine the usefulness of these heuristics as well as their fallibility—the sometimes false assumption underlying them that nature is significantly decomposable and hierarchically organized. When Discovering Complexity was originally published in 1993, few philosophers of science perceived the centrality of seeking mechanisms to explain phenomena in biology, relying instead on the model of nomological explanation advanced by the logical positivists (a model Bechtel and Richardson found to be utterly inapplicable to the examples from the life sciences in their study). Since then, mechanism and mechanistic explanation have become widely discussed. In a substantive new introduction to this MIT Press edition of their book, Bechtel and Richardson examine both philosophical and scientific developments in research on mechanistic models since 1993.
Exploring Complexity
Author: G. Nicolis
Publisher: W H Freeman & Company
ISBN: 9780716718598
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 313
Book Description
Unexpected discoveries in nonequilibrium physics and nonlinear dynamics are changing our understanding of complex phenomena. Recent research has revealed fundamental new properties of matter in far-from-equilibrium conditions, and the prevalence of instability-where small changes in initial conditions may lead to amplified effects.
Publisher: W H Freeman & Company
ISBN: 9780716718598
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 313
Book Description
Unexpected discoveries in nonequilibrium physics and nonlinear dynamics are changing our understanding of complex phenomena. Recent research has revealed fundamental new properties of matter in far-from-equilibrium conditions, and the prevalence of instability-where small changes in initial conditions may lead to amplified effects.
Decoding Complexity
Author: james glattfelder
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3642334245
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 235
Book Description
Today it appears that we understand more about the universe than about our interconnected socio-economic world. In order to uncover organizational structures and novel features in these systems, we present the first comprehensive complex systems analysis of real-world ownership networks. This effort lies at the interface between the realms of economics and the emerging field loosely referred to as complexity science. The structure of global economic power is reflected in the network of ownership ties of companies and the analysis of such ownership networks has possible implications for market competition and financial stability. Thus this work presents powerful new tools for the study of economic and corporate networks that are only just beginning to attract the attention of scholars.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3642334245
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 235
Book Description
Today it appears that we understand more about the universe than about our interconnected socio-economic world. In order to uncover organizational structures and novel features in these systems, we present the first comprehensive complex systems analysis of real-world ownership networks. This effort lies at the interface between the realms of economics and the emerging field loosely referred to as complexity science. The structure of global economic power is reflected in the network of ownership ties of companies and the analysis of such ownership networks has possible implications for market competition and financial stability. Thus this work presents powerful new tools for the study of economic and corporate networks that are only just beginning to attract the attention of scholars.
Discovering Prices
Author: Paul Milgrom
Publisher: Columbia University Press
ISBN: 023154457X
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 222
Book Description
Traditional economic theory studies idealized markets in which prices alone can guide efficient allocation, with no need for central organization. Such models build from Adam Smith’s famous concept of an invisible hand, which guides markets and renders regulation or interference largely unnecessary. Yet for many markets, prices alone are not enough to guide feasible and efficient outcomes, and regulation alone is not enough, either. Consider air traffic control at major airports. While prices could encourage airlines to take off and land at less congested times, prices alone do just part of the job; an air traffic control system is still indispensable to avoid disastrous consequences. With just an air traffic controller, however, limited resources can be wasted or poorly used. What’s needed in this and many other real-world cases is an auction system that can effectively reveal prices while still maintaining enough direct control to ensure that complex constraints are satisfied. In Discovering Prices, Paul Milgrom—the world’s most frequently cited academic expert on auction design—describes how auctions can be used to discover prices and guide efficient resource allocations, even when resources are diverse, constraints are critical, and market-clearing prices may not even exist. Economists have long understood that externalities and market power both necessitate market organization. In this book, Milgrom introduces complex constraints as another reason for market design. Both lively and technical, Milgrom roots his new theories in real-world examples (including the ambitious U.S. incentive auction of radio frequencies, whose design he led) and provides economists with crucial new tools for dealing with the world’s growing complex resource-allocation problems.
Publisher: Columbia University Press
ISBN: 023154457X
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 222
Book Description
Traditional economic theory studies idealized markets in which prices alone can guide efficient allocation, with no need for central organization. Such models build from Adam Smith’s famous concept of an invisible hand, which guides markets and renders regulation or interference largely unnecessary. Yet for many markets, prices alone are not enough to guide feasible and efficient outcomes, and regulation alone is not enough, either. Consider air traffic control at major airports. While prices could encourage airlines to take off and land at less congested times, prices alone do just part of the job; an air traffic control system is still indispensable to avoid disastrous consequences. With just an air traffic controller, however, limited resources can be wasted or poorly used. What’s needed in this and many other real-world cases is an auction system that can effectively reveal prices while still maintaining enough direct control to ensure that complex constraints are satisfied. In Discovering Prices, Paul Milgrom—the world’s most frequently cited academic expert on auction design—describes how auctions can be used to discover prices and guide efficient resource allocations, even when resources are diverse, constraints are critical, and market-clearing prices may not even exist. Economists have long understood that externalities and market power both necessitate market organization. In this book, Milgrom introduces complex constraints as another reason for market design. Both lively and technical, Milgrom roots his new theories in real-world examples (including the ambitious U.S. incentive auction of radio frequencies, whose design he led) and provides economists with crucial new tools for dealing with the world’s growing complex resource-allocation problems.
Complexity Theory
Author: Ingo Wegener
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3540210458
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 307
Book Description
Reflects recent developments in its emphasis on randomized and approximation algorithms and communication models All topics are considered from an algorithmic point of view stressing the implications for algorithm design
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3540210458
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 307
Book Description
Reflects recent developments in its emphasis on randomized and approximation algorithms and communication models All topics are considered from an algorithmic point of view stressing the implications for algorithm design
The Complexity Theory Companion
Author: Lane A. Hemaspaandra
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3662048809
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 375
Book Description
Here is an accessible, algorithmically oriented guide to some of the most interesting techniques of complexity theory. The book shows that simple algorithms are at the heart of complexity theory. The book is organized by technique rather than by topic. Each chapter focuses on one technique: what it is, and what results and applications it yields.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3662048809
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 375
Book Description
Here is an accessible, algorithmically oriented guide to some of the most interesting techniques of complexity theory. The book shows that simple algorithms are at the heart of complexity theory. The book is organized by technique rather than by topic. Each chapter focuses on one technique: what it is, and what results and applications it yields.
Mathematics Classrooms in Twelve Countries
Author: David Clarke
Publisher: Sense Publishers
ISBN: 907787495X
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 407
Book Description
The Learner's Perspective Study aims to juxtapose the observable practices of the classroom and the meanings attributed to those practices by classroom participants. The LPS research design documents sequences of at least ten lessons, using three video cameras, supplemented by the reconstructive accounts of classroom participants obtained in post-lesson video-stimulated interviews, and by test and questionnaire data, and copies of student written material. In each participating country, data generation focuses on the classrooms of three teachers, identified by the local mathematics education community as competent, and situated in demographically different school communities within the one major city. The large body of complex data supports both the characterisation of practice in the classrooms of competent teachers and the development of theory.
Publisher: Sense Publishers
ISBN: 907787495X
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 407
Book Description
The Learner's Perspective Study aims to juxtapose the observable practices of the classroom and the meanings attributed to those practices by classroom participants. The LPS research design documents sequences of at least ten lessons, using three video cameras, supplemented by the reconstructive accounts of classroom participants obtained in post-lesson video-stimulated interviews, and by test and questionnaire data, and copies of student written material. In each participating country, data generation focuses on the classrooms of three teachers, identified by the local mathematics education community as competent, and situated in demographically different school communities within the one major city. The large body of complex data supports both the characterisation of practice in the classrooms of competent teachers and the development of theory.
Expert JavaScript
Author: Mark E. Daggett
Publisher: Apress
ISBN: 1430260971
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 235
Book Description
Expert JavaScript is your definitive guide to understanding how and why JavaScript behaves the way it does. Master the inner workings of JavaScript by learning in detail how modern applications are made. In covering lesser-understood aspects of this powerful language and truly understanding how it works, your JavaScript code and programming skills will improve. You will learn about core fundamentals of JavaScript, including deep dives into functions, scopes, closures, and practical object-oriented code. Mark Daggett explains clearly how closures, events, and asynchronous code really operate, as well as conventions and concepts to write JavaScript in a clear, pragmatic style. Many of the changes in ECMAScript6 and its implications are all explained. You'll be introduced to modern workflow tools to make application development faster, more enjoyable, and ostensibly more profitable. You'll understand how to measure code quality and write more testable JavaScript, and finally you'll learn about real-world applications of JavaScript, including JavaScript-powered robots. JavaScript is one of the most powerful languages on the web today, and it is only getting stronger. This book will take you through the process of planning, coding, testing, profiling and finally releasing your application, at expert level. With more frameworks and more improvements than ever, now is the time to become an expert at JavaScript. Make this journey - use Expert JavaScript today. What you’ll learn What is really going on underneath functions, in arguments, types, coercion, and scope How closures, events, and asynchronous code work at a fundamental level How to understand advanced topics including promise objects, coroutines, and generators How to apply this newfound knowledge pragmatically to build the very best modern JavaScript applications Who this book is for This book is for the experienced JavaScript programmer who wants to understand the how and why of their code in order to become a better developer. This book is not intended to teach JavaScript at a syntactical level, but instead delve deep into the code - the philosophy, the reasoning and the detailed expert-level knowledge behind it. This newfound knowledge will enable the reader to build the very best modern JavaScript applications. It is for anyone who wants to become a better programmer by understanding at a very high level how the code works. Table of Contents Objects and Prototypes Functions Getting Closure JavaScript Slang Living Asynchronously JavaScript IRL Pragmatic JavaScript Style Workflow Code Quality Improving Testability
Publisher: Apress
ISBN: 1430260971
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 235
Book Description
Expert JavaScript is your definitive guide to understanding how and why JavaScript behaves the way it does. Master the inner workings of JavaScript by learning in detail how modern applications are made. In covering lesser-understood aspects of this powerful language and truly understanding how it works, your JavaScript code and programming skills will improve. You will learn about core fundamentals of JavaScript, including deep dives into functions, scopes, closures, and practical object-oriented code. Mark Daggett explains clearly how closures, events, and asynchronous code really operate, as well as conventions and concepts to write JavaScript in a clear, pragmatic style. Many of the changes in ECMAScript6 and its implications are all explained. You'll be introduced to modern workflow tools to make application development faster, more enjoyable, and ostensibly more profitable. You'll understand how to measure code quality and write more testable JavaScript, and finally you'll learn about real-world applications of JavaScript, including JavaScript-powered robots. JavaScript is one of the most powerful languages on the web today, and it is only getting stronger. This book will take you through the process of planning, coding, testing, profiling and finally releasing your application, at expert level. With more frameworks and more improvements than ever, now is the time to become an expert at JavaScript. Make this journey - use Expert JavaScript today. What you’ll learn What is really going on underneath functions, in arguments, types, coercion, and scope How closures, events, and asynchronous code work at a fundamental level How to understand advanced topics including promise objects, coroutines, and generators How to apply this newfound knowledge pragmatically to build the very best modern JavaScript applications Who this book is for This book is for the experienced JavaScript programmer who wants to understand the how and why of their code in order to become a better developer. This book is not intended to teach JavaScript at a syntactical level, but instead delve deep into the code - the philosophy, the reasoning and the detailed expert-level knowledge behind it. This newfound knowledge will enable the reader to build the very best modern JavaScript applications. It is for anyone who wants to become a better programmer by understanding at a very high level how the code works. Table of Contents Objects and Prototypes Functions Getting Closure JavaScript Slang Living Asynchronously JavaScript IRL Pragmatic JavaScript Style Workflow Code Quality Improving Testability
The Routledge Handbook of Mechanisms and Mechanical Philosophy
Author: Stuart Glennan
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISBN: 131755230X
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 495
Book Description
Scientists studying the burning of stars, the evolution of species, DNA, the brain, the economy, and social change, all frequently describe their work as searching for mechanisms. Despite this fact, for much of the twentieth century philosophical discussions of the nature of mechanisms remained outside philosophy of science. The Routledge Handbook of Mechanisms and Mechanical Philosophy is an outstanding reference source to the key topics, problems, and debates in this exciting subject and is the first collection of its kind. Comprising over thirty chapters by a team of international contributors, the Handbook is divided into four Parts: Historical perspectives on mechanisms The nature of mechanisms Mechanisms and the philosophy of science Disciplinary perspectives on mechanisms. Within these Parts central topics and problems are examined, including the rise of mechanical philosophy in the seventeenth century; what mechanisms are made of and how they are organized; mechanisms and laws and regularities; how mechanisms are discovered and explained; dynamical systems theory; and disciplinary perspectives from physics, chemistry, biology, biomedicine, ecology, neuroscience, and the social sciences. Essential reading for students and researchers in philosophy of science, the Handbook will also be of interest to those in related fields, such as metaphysics, philosophy of psychology, and history of science.
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISBN: 131755230X
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 495
Book Description
Scientists studying the burning of stars, the evolution of species, DNA, the brain, the economy, and social change, all frequently describe their work as searching for mechanisms. Despite this fact, for much of the twentieth century philosophical discussions of the nature of mechanisms remained outside philosophy of science. The Routledge Handbook of Mechanisms and Mechanical Philosophy is an outstanding reference source to the key topics, problems, and debates in this exciting subject and is the first collection of its kind. Comprising over thirty chapters by a team of international contributors, the Handbook is divided into four Parts: Historical perspectives on mechanisms The nature of mechanisms Mechanisms and the philosophy of science Disciplinary perspectives on mechanisms. Within these Parts central topics and problems are examined, including the rise of mechanical philosophy in the seventeenth century; what mechanisms are made of and how they are organized; mechanisms and laws and regularities; how mechanisms are discovered and explained; dynamical systems theory; and disciplinary perspectives from physics, chemistry, biology, biomedicine, ecology, neuroscience, and the social sciences. Essential reading for students and researchers in philosophy of science, the Handbook will also be of interest to those in related fields, such as metaphysics, philosophy of psychology, and history of science.
Generative Emergence
Author: Benyamin B. Lichtenstein
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN: 0199933596
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 481
Book Description
Generative Emergence provides insight into the non-linear dynamics that lead to organizational emergence through the use of complexity sciences. The book explores how the model of Generative Emergence could be applied to enact emergence within and across organizations.
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN: 0199933596
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 481
Book Description
Generative Emergence provides insight into the non-linear dynamics that lead to organizational emergence through the use of complexity sciences. The book explores how the model of Generative Emergence could be applied to enact emergence within and across organizations.