Symmetry and Complexity The Spirit and Beauty of Nonlinear Science

Klaus Mainzer — 2005

' Cosmic evolution leads from symmetry to complexity by symmetry breaking and phase transitions. The emergence of new order and structure in nature and society is explained by physical, chemical, biological, social and economic self-organization, according to the laws of nonlinear dynamics. All these dynamical systems are considered computational systems processing information and entropy. Are symmetry and complexity only useful models of science or are they universals of reality? Symmetry and Complexity discusses the fascinating insights gained from natural, social and computer sciences, philosophy and the arts. With many diagrams and pictures, this book illustrates the spirit and beauty of nonlinear science. In the complex world of globalization, it strongly argues for unity in diversity. Contents:Symmetry and Complexity in Early Culture and PhilosophySymmetry and Complexity in MathematicsSymmetry and Complexity in Physical SciencesSymmetry and Complexity in Chemical SciencesSymmetry and Complexity in Life SciencesSymmetry and Complexity in Economic and Social SciencesSymmetry and Complexity in Computer ScienceSymmetry and Complexity in Philosophy and Arts Readership: Upper-level undergraduates, graduate students, researchers, academics, and professionals in interdisciplinary sciences. Keywords:Symmetry;Symmetry Breaking;Complexity;Nonlinear Science;Dynamical System;Chaos;Bifurcation;Fractal;Computational System;Information Dynamics;Philosophy of Science;ArtsKey Features:Valuable insights from natural, social and computer sciencesAttractive pictures and illustrations enhancing the spirit and beauty of nonlinear scienceReviews:“This outstanding book is a general overview of the notion of symmetry and its many connections to the ideas of complexity … The book will be especially useful to the intelligent general reader as well as advanced undergraduate students looking for challenging technical problems to solve, reconfigure, or redefine.”Zentralblatt MATH '