From Strange Simplicity to Complex Familiarity: A Treatise on Matter, Information, Life and Thought
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.
1111087785
From Strange Simplicity to Complex Familiarity: A Treatise on Matter, Information, Life and Thought
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.
224.99 In Stock
From Strange Simplicity to Complex Familiarity: A Treatise on Matter, Information, Life and Thought

From Strange Simplicity to Complex Familiarity: A Treatise on Matter, Information, Life and Thought

by Manfred Eigen
From Strange Simplicity to Complex Familiarity: A Treatise on Matter, Information, Life and Thought

From Strange Simplicity to Complex Familiarity: A Treatise on Matter, Information, Life and Thought

by Manfred Eigen

eBook

$224.99 

Available on Compatible NOOK devices, the free NOOK App and in My Digital Library.
WANT A NOOK?  Explore Now

Related collections and offers

LEND ME® See Details

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780191633072
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication date: 05/23/2013
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
File size: 38 MB
Note: This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Manfred Eigen, Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Gottingen, Germany

Table of Contents

1. Matter and Energy2. Energy and Entropy3. Entropy and Information4. Information and Complexity5. Complexity and Self-OrganisationAppendix to Chapter 1Appendix to Chapter 2Appendix to Chapter 3Appendix to Chapter 4Appendix to Chapter 5
From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews