Foundations of Complex-system Theories

Complex behavior can occur in any system made up of large numbers of interacting constituents, be they atoms in a solid, cells in a living organism, or consumers in a national economy. Analysis of this behavior often involves making important assumptions and approximations, the exact nature of which vary from subject to subject. Foundations of Complex-system Theories begins wit...

Complex behavior can occur in any system made up of large numbers of interacting constituents, be they atoms in a solid, cells in a living organism, or consumers in a national economy. Analysis of this behavior often involves making important assumptions and approximations, the exact nature of which vary from subject to subject. Foundations of Complex-system Theories begins with a description of the general features of complexity and then examines a range of important concepts, such as theories of composite systems, collective phenomena, emergent properties, and stochastic processes. Each topic is discussed with reference to the fields of statistical physics, evolutionary biology, and economics, thereby highlighting recurrent themes in the study of complex systems. This detailed yet nontechnical book will appeal to anyone who wants to know more about complex systems and their behavior. It will also be of great interest to specialists studying complexity in the physical, biological, and social sciences.

欧阳莹之（Sunny Y. Auyang），美籍华裔物理学家、科学学家。分别在上海、香港、美国读小学、中学、大学，1972年获麻省理工学院物理学博士学位，并在麻省理工学院从事研究工作20年。1992年以来，她的研究兴趣转向科学技术本性的哲学考察。著有《量子场论如何可能？》、《日常生活和认识科学中的心智》等。