Edition |
1st ed. |
Description |
1 online resource (xiv, 237 pages) : illustrations |
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text txt rdacontent |
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computer c rdamedia |
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online resource cr rdacarrier |
Summary |
Traditionally, randomness and determinism have been viewed as being diametrically opposed, based on the idea that causality and determinism is complicated by noise. Although recent research has suggested that noise can have a productive role, it still views noise as a separate entity. This work suggests that this not need to be so. In an informal presentation, instead, the problem is traced to traditional assumptions regarding dynamical equations and their need for unique solutions. If this requirement is relaxed, the equations admit for instability and stochasticity evolving from the dynamics itself. This allows for a decoupling from the burden of the past and provides insights into concepts such as predictability, irreversibility, adaptability, creativity and multi-choice behaviour. This reformulation is especially relevant for biological and social sciences whose need for flexibility a propos of environmental demands is important to understand: this suggests that many system models are based on randomness and nondeterminism complicated with a little bit of determinism to ultimately achieve concurrent flexibility and stability. As a result, the statistical perception of reality is seen as being a more productive tool than classical determinism. The book addresses scientists of all disciplines, with special emphasis at making the ideas more accessible to scientists and students not traditionally involved in the formal mathematics of the physical sciences. The implications may be of interest also to specialists in the philosophy of science. Presents the ideas in an informal language. Provides tools for exploring data for singularities. |
Contents |
Preface -- -- 1. Probability and Dynamics -- 2. Singularities and Instability -- 3. Noise and Determinism -- 4. Singularities in Biological Sciences -- 5. Singularities in Social Science/Arts -- 6. Conclusions -- 7. Glossary -- 8. Mathematical Appendix -- Bibliography -- Books -- Book Chapters, Proceedings -- Journals -- Index. |
Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (pages 221-230) and index. |
Note |
Print version record. |
Subject |
Singularities (Mathematics)
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Biology -- Mathematical models.
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Dynamics -- Mathematical models.
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Stochastic systems.
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Chaotic behavior in systems.
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Singularités (Mathématiques)
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Biologie -- Modèles mathématiques.
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Dynamique -- Modèles mathématiques.
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Systèmes stochastiques.
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Chaos.
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MATHEMATICS -- Geometry -- Algebraic.
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Biology -- Mathematical models
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Chaotic behavior in systems
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Dynamics -- Mathematical models
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Singularities (Mathematics)
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Stochastic systems
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Other Form: |
Print version: Zbilut, Joseph P., 1948- Unstable singularities and randomness. 1st ed. Amsterdam ; Boston : Elsevier, 2004 0444516131 9780444516138 (DLC) 2006270122 (OCoLC)56428359 |
ISBN |
9780444516138 |
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0444516131 |
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9780080474694 (electronic bk.) |
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0080474691 (electronic bk.) |
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1280966025 |
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9781280966026 |
Standard No. |
AU@ 000048129797 |
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AU@ 000062573842 |
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CHNEW 001005551 |
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DEBBG BV036962225 |
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DEBBG BV039830094 |
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DEBBG BV042317243 |
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DEBSZ 275758176 |
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NZ1 12434412 |
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