From Strange Simplicity to Complex Familiarity

A Treatise on Matter, Information, Life and Thought

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Physics, General Physics, Computers, General Computing
Cover of the book From Strange Simplicity to Complex Familiarity by Manfred Eigen, OUP Oxford
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Manfred Eigen ISBN: 9780191633072
Publisher: OUP Oxford Publication: May 23, 2013
Imprint: OUP Oxford Language: English
Author: Manfred Eigen
ISBN: 9780191633072
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication: May 23, 2013
Imprint: OUP Oxford
Language: English

This book presents a vivid argument for the almost lost idea of a unity of all natural sciences. It starts with the "strange" physics of matter, including particle physics, atomic physics and quantum mechanics, cosmology, relativity and their consequences (Chapter I), and it continues by describing the properties of material systems that are best understood by statistical and phase-space concepts (Chapter II). These lead to entropy and to the classical picture of quantitative information, initially devoid of value and meaning (Chapter III). Finally, "information space" and dynamics within it are introduced as a basis for semantics (Chapter IV), leading to an exploration of life and thought as new problems in physics (Chapter V). Dynamic equations - again of a strange (but very general) nature - bring about the complex familiarity of the world we live in. Surprising new results in the life sciences open our eyes to the richness of physical thought, and they show us what can and what cannot be explained by a Darwinian approach. The abstract physical approach is applicable to the origins of life, of meaningful information and even of our universe.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book presents a vivid argument for the almost lost idea of a unity of all natural sciences. It starts with the "strange" physics of matter, including particle physics, atomic physics and quantum mechanics, cosmology, relativity and their consequences (Chapter I), and it continues by describing the properties of material systems that are best understood by statistical and phase-space concepts (Chapter II). These lead to entropy and to the classical picture of quantitative information, initially devoid of value and meaning (Chapter III). Finally, "information space" and dynamics within it are introduced as a basis for semantics (Chapter IV), leading to an exploration of life and thought as new problems in physics (Chapter V). Dynamic equations - again of a strange (but very general) nature - bring about the complex familiarity of the world we live in. Surprising new results in the life sciences open our eyes to the richness of physical thought, and they show us what can and what cannot be explained by a Darwinian approach. The abstract physical approach is applicable to the origins of life, of meaningful information and even of our universe.

More books from OUP Oxford

Cover of the book The EC Regulation on Insolvency Proceedings: A Commentary and Annotated Guide by Manfred Eigen
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of Shakespeare by Manfred Eigen
Cover of the book Emergencies in Children's and Young People's Nursing by Manfred Eigen
Cover of the book The Child Protection Practice Manual by Manfred Eigen
Cover of the book Skillful Coping by Manfred Eigen
Cover of the book Moving Romans by Manfred Eigen
Cover of the book Keynes: A Very Short Introduction by Manfred Eigen
Cover of the book International Commercial Litigation by Manfred Eigen
Cover of the book The History of King Lear: The Oxford Shakespeare by Manfred Eigen
Cover of the book Six Tragedies by Manfred Eigen
Cover of the book Beyond the Dynamical Universe by Manfred Eigen
Cover of the book Sleep: A Very Short Introduction by Manfred Eigen
Cover of the book Advance Care Planning in End of Life Care by Manfred Eigen
Cover of the book Architecture: A Very Short Introduction by Manfred Eigen
Cover of the book James Joyce and the Phenomenology of Film by Manfred Eigen
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy