Critical Mass: How One Thing Leads to Another.PHILIP BALL Philip Ball (born 1962) is an English science writer. He holds a degree in chemistry from Oxford and a doctorate in physics from Bristol University. He was an editor for the journal Nature for over 10 years. Ball turns to the unlikely realm of physics to answer the question, How, in human affairs, does one thing lead to another? During the post 30 years, the author asserts, three theories relevant to the question have emerged: catastrophe theory catastrophe theory Branch of mathematics (considered a branch of geometry) that explores how gradual changes to a system produce sudden, drastic results (though usually not as dire as the name suggests). , chaos theory chaos theory, in mathematics, physics, and other fields, a set of ideas that attempts to reveal structure in aperiodic, unpredictable dynamic systems such as cloud formation or the fluctuation of biological populations. , and complexity theory. Ball applies these physics concepts to show how people move in open spaces, make decisions, cast votes, and form alliances. Physics explains how our collective behavior emerges from apparent chaos. It also describes the politics of conflict and cooperation and how economic markets work. Ball argues that while it isn't possible to predict how individuals behave, it is possible to predict group actions, Finally, he explores how this scientific understanding of society might be used by authorities to limit individuals' free will. FSG See Linux Foundation. , 2004, 520 p., b&w photos/illus., hardcover, $27.00. |
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