The nature of this book is to emphasize the inherent complexity and richness of the human experience of change. Now, the author believes there to be an acceptable "scientific" explanation for this phenomona. Explored here are 30 years of studies to describe nonlinear dynamics, today termed either chaos theory or complexity theory. The connotations of both theories are discussed at length. Offering social scientists validation in their attempts to describe and define phenomona of a previously ineffable nature, this book explores chaos' implications for psychology and the social sciences. It describes the benefits psychology can glean from using ideas in chaos theory and applying them to psychology in general, individual psycho-therapy, couples therapy, and community psychology, and also considers possible directions for research and application.
Begins by describing the basic notions in chaos and complexity theory, and showing how most of the central fields of psychology are advanced by nonlinear dynamics. The author then takes these theories one step further in their psychological application, putting forward original hypotheses regarding several syntheses of others' work, the notion of time in development and theory, symbolic or metaphorical processes, and novel ideas about coherence in human life forms. For both clinicians and academics.
Favorable Review. While the book is rather new -- that is in review circles -- it has already been favorably reviewed and I would like to share the review summary with prospective readers. The reviewer is Allan Combs, an individual wel-known in the field of nonlinear dynamics and psychology for his fairminded and astonishing grasp of the difficult material within the field. The review was published in the journal Nonlinear Dynamics, Psychology and Life Sciences in January of 1999, and this journal is the field's own worst critic -- a welcome addition to the array of journals covering this topic.
Combs' review of the book is quite favorable, but throughout he highlights the critical points laid out in the text, and does so with great accuracy. Combs' comments on the book are as follows: 'It offers rewarding fare for the sophisticated reader, a dense but lush introduction to the field of chaos theory and psychology for an intelligent lay reader, and an excellent general resource for undergraduate and graduate students alike.' Combs' review is the best review out thus far, and not without its criticisms amid favorable statements like those above. As the author, it is my preference to offer reviews that seem to capture my work, and leave it to prospective readers to find whether they wish to pursue the text further once provided this information. I am happy with the final product, and it is one I hope readers will find enchanting, cautiously optimistic and all the while challenging.
— Michael R. Butz, Ph.D. (sbtbutz@ida.net), the Author
Our reader reviews allow you to share your comments on titles you liked,
or didn't, with others. By submitting an online review, you are representing to
Barnes & Noble.com that all information contained in your review is original
and accurate in all respects, and that the submission of such content by you
and the posting of such content by Barnes & Noble.com does not and will not
violate the rights of any third party. Please follow the rules below to help
ensure that your review can be posted.
Reviews by Our Customers Under the Age of 13
We highly value and respect everyone's opinion concerning the titles we offer.
However, we cannot allow persons under the age of 13 to have accounts at BN.com or
to post customer reviews. Please see our Terms of Use for more details.
What to exclude from your review:
Please do not write about reviews, commentary, or information posted on the product page. If you see any errors in the
information on the product page, please send us an email.
Reviews should not contain any of the following:
- HTML tags, profanity, obscenities, vulgarities, or comments that defame anyone
- Time-sensitive information such as tour dates, signings, lectures, etc.
- Single-word reviews. Other people will read your review to discover why you liked or didn't like the title. Be descriptive.
- Comments focusing on the author or that may ruin the ending for others
- Phone numbers, addresses, URLs
- Pricing and availability information or alternative ordering information
- Advertisements or commercial solicitation
Reminder:
- By submitting a review, you grant to Barnes & Noble.com and its
sublicensees the royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable right and license to use the
review in accordance with the Barnes & Noble.com Terms of Use.
- Barnes & Noble.com reserves the right not to post any review -- particularly
those that do not follow the terms and conditions of these Rules. Barnes & Noble.com
also reserves the right to remove any review at any time without notice.
- See Terms of Use for other conditions and disclaimers.
Search for Products You'd Like to Recommend
Create a Pen Name
Welcome, penname
You have successfully created your Pen Name. Start enjoying the benefits of the BN.com Community today.
If you find inappropriate content, please report it to Barnes & Noble
More About This Textbook
Overview
The nature of this book is to emphasize the inherent complexity and richness of the human experience of change. Now, the author believes there to be an acceptable "scientific" explanation for this phenomona. Explored here are 30 years of studies to describe nonlinear dynamics, today termed either chaos theory or complexity theory. The connotations of both theories are discussed at length. Offering social scientists validation in their attempts to describe and define phenomona of a previously ineffable nature, this book explores chaos' implications for psychology and the social sciences. It describes the benefits psychology can glean from using ideas in chaos theory and applying them to psychology in general, individual psycho-therapy, couples therapy, and community psychology, and also considers possible directions for research and application.
Editorial Reviews
Booknews
Begins by describing the basic notions in chaos and complexity theory, and showing how most of the central fields of psychology are advanced by nonlinear dynamics. The author then takes these theories one step further in their psychological application, putting forward original hypotheses regarding several syntheses of others' work, the notion of time in development and theory, symbolic or metaphorical processes, and novel ideas about coherence in human life forms. For both clinicians and academics.Product Details
Related Subjects
Table of Contents
Interviews & Essays
Favorable Review. While the book is rather new -- that is in review circles -- it has already been favorably reviewed and I would like to share the review summary with prospective readers. The reviewer is Allan Combs, an individual wel-known in the field of nonlinear dynamics and psychology for his fairminded and astonishing grasp of the difficult material within the field. The review was published in the journal Nonlinear Dynamics, Psychology and Life Sciences in January of 1999, and this journal is the field's own worst critic -- a welcome addition to the array of journals covering this topic.
Combs' review of the book is quite favorable, but throughout he highlights the critical points laid out in the text, and does so with great accuracy. Combs' comments on the book are as follows: 'It offers rewarding fare for the sophisticated reader, a dense but lush introduction to the field of chaos theory and psychology for an intelligent lay reader, and an excellent general resource for undergraduate and graduate students alike.' Combs' review is the best review out thus far, and not without its criticisms amid favorable statements like those above. As the author, it is my preference to offer reviews that seem to capture my work, and leave it to prospective readers to find whether they wish to pursue the text further once provided this information. I am happy with the final product, and it is one I hope readers will find enchanting, cautiously optimistic and all the while challenging.
— Michael R. Butz, Ph.D. (sbtbutz@ida.net), the Author