Book description
Is there a 'physics of society'? Philip Ball's investigation into human nature ranges from Hobbes and Adam Smith to modern work on traffic flow and market trading, across economics, sociology and psychology. Ball shows how much of human behaviour we can understand when we cease trying to predict and analyse…
Why read it?
2 authors picked Critical Mass as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
This book will educate you and show how ideas are connected to each other.
Could there be social science laws? What did social science borrow from physics and math? And, more surprisingly, what physics borrowed from social science when disciplines were just emerging? Complex systems serve as a backdrop for many of the stories. The history of science is far from rectilinear. That’s what makes the story fascinating.
From Julio's list on the intersection of complexity, art, technology, and science.
A long and detailed account of the role of science in our decision making.
Ball demonstrates a sure touch over a myriad of topics, whether it be what causes traffic jams, the behaviour of gas particles, or the best way to design fire exits. The author has a deep and wide understanding of science and is able to share this knowledge with many real-life examples.
Whilst not a light read it is well written and opens up the reader to a far wider way of thinking about how “the real world” acts and reacts.
From Gerald's list on decisions bloody decisions.
If you love Critical Mass...
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A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.
German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…
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