Of Ants and Men

The Unexpected Side Effects of Complexity in Society

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Physics, General Physics, Technology, Reference & Language, Reference
Cover of the book Of Ants and Men by David G. Green, Springer Berlin Heidelberg
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Author: David G. Green ISBN: 9783642552304
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg Publication: May 12, 2014
Imprint: Copernicus Language: English
Author: David G. Green
ISBN: 9783642552304
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Publication: May 12, 2014
Imprint: Copernicus
Language: English

Why do things go wrong? Why, despite all the planning and care in the world, do things go from bad to worse? This book argues that it is because we are like the ants. Just as ants create an anthill without being aware of it, unintended side effects of human activity create all manner of social trends and crises. The book traces the way these trends emerge and the role they play in some of the major issues of our time. One of the greatest challenges today is the complexity of our social and economic systems. Every action has side effects that people often ignore or fail to see. The book examines the ways in which limitations in our thinking and behaviour lead to unintended side effects. It looks at the role played by complex networks of interactions. Finally, it looks at the way side effects of new technologies, especially computers and communication, have created an Information Revolution, the full repercussions of which are yet to be seen. In our race to create new technologies and sustain indefinite economic growth, we are at best dimly aware of the ways in which we are transforming society and threatening our environment.

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

Why do things go wrong? Why, despite all the planning and care in the world, do things go from bad to worse? This book argues that it is because we are like the ants. Just as ants create an anthill without being aware of it, unintended side effects of human activity create all manner of social trends and crises. The book traces the way these trends emerge and the role they play in some of the major issues of our time. One of the greatest challenges today is the complexity of our social and economic systems. Every action has side effects that people often ignore or fail to see. The book examines the ways in which limitations in our thinking and behaviour lead to unintended side effects. It looks at the role played by complex networks of interactions. Finally, it looks at the way side effects of new technologies, especially computers and communication, have created an Information Revolution, the full repercussions of which are yet to be seen. In our race to create new technologies and sustain indefinite economic growth, we are at best dimly aware of the ways in which we are transforming society and threatening our environment.

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