Applied Chaos Theory: A Paradigm for Complexity [Hardcover]

Ali Bulent Cambel (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0121559408 | ISBN-13: 978-0121559403 | Publication Date: November 19, 1992 | Edition: 1

This book differs from others on Chaos Theory in that it focuses on its applications for understanding complex phenomena. The emphasis is on the interpretation of the equations rather than on the details of the mathematical derivations. The presentation is interdisciplinary in its approach to real-life problems: it integrates nonlinear dynamics, nonequilibrium thermodynamics, information theory, and fractal geometry. An effort has been made to present the material ina reader-friendly manner, and examples are chosen from real life situations. Recent findings on the diagnostics and control of chaos are presented, and suggestions are made for setting up a simple laboratory. Included is a list of topics for further discussion that may serve not only for personal practice or homework, but also as themes for theses, dissertations, and research proposals.

Key Features
*Includes laboratory experiments Includes applications and case studies related to cell differentiation, EKGs, and immunology
* Presents interdisciplinary applications of chaos theory to complex systems
* Emphasizes the meaning of mathematical equations rather than their derivations
* Features reader friendly presentation with many illustrations and interpretations
* Deals with real life, dissipative systemsIntegrates mathematical theory throughout the text

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This short, somewhat conversational book is illuminating on a variety of topics, such as attractors, nonlinear population equations, logistic maps, fractal dimensions, and Mandelbrot sets. It is written in an engaging manner at a level suitable for undergraduates, and the references are well chosen and fairly up to date....Cambels book will be a rewarding experience."
--NATURE
"[This] work fills an important niche between books on the application of mathematical techniques and books on hardware....It should be viewed by most undergraduate institutions as an important reference."
--CHOICE (added 9/20/93 LMW)
"Chaos theory, at the heart of the new sciences of complexity, is surveyed in this readable and entertaining survey for the nonspecialist. Will be of interest to public and school libraries, and as a supplemental text in introductory college level courses. Includes a list of discussions."
--NEW TECHNICAL BOOKS [12/92]
"The topic of your book is complex and prickly; I admire you for undertaking its explanation."
--LAURIE HODGES, Ph.D., Atlanta, Georgia
"Your scholarly point of view, the meticulous method of approach, authoritative exposition of the subject matter and, concomitantly, its straightforward treatment, provide your book with a potential to become an object of high demand. It will certainly be high on my list of recommended texts."
--PROFESSOR A.K. OPPENHEIM, Berkeley, California
"Of all the many current books on Chaos Theory, this one explains the underlying why and how of chaos. From money to medicine, it covers chaos theory applied to living and science. The scientific layman, beginning student, and advanced theorist will all profit from the clear explanations. If your knowledge of Chaos Theory is chaotic, this is the book to read."
--FRANK W. SUMMERS, M.D., Santa Ana, California

Product Details

• Hardcover: 246 pages
• Publisher: Academic Press; 1 edition (November 19, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0121559408
• ISBN-13: 978-0121559403
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,512,085 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Soft but scientific introduction to chaos theory, April 20, 2001

By 

Steve Uhlig (Berlin, Germany) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Applied Chaos Theory: A Paradigm for Complexity (Hardcover)

This is more like a historical perspective of the development of the concepts of chaos theory than a deep coverage of chaos theory. Emphasis is on introducing the concepts for allowing interested people to get into advanced theoretical developments (and practical too). However there are some scientific prerequisites (physics, dynamical systems...).

Writing is very good, intuitive, does not assume any particular mathematical background or practice with tools for simulating chaotic systems. Exposition is rather short because of a scientific writing style, it's not about scientific popularization (don't feel this is pedantic, writing is concise and not meant to be crowded with examples). In its approach, i think it's the smoothest scientific introductory book on the subject. For example Schroeder's (Fractals chaos and power laws) is overly mathematical as an introduction. Williams' (chaos theory tamed) on the other hand has a similar approach to this one but it is longer, more general and with less emphasis on the applied side of chaos theory (the analytic side). From an economical point of view, William's is cheaper while covers more about chaos theory, but this volume is scientifically better and more useful than Williams', which is too "generalistic".

In summary : a very good self-contained and short introduction to chaos theory. But for a first book on chaos theory go to Williams, it's easier to read.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Recommended only if you don't need it!!, February 11, 2001

By 

Vizcarra Rendon Alejandro (WORLD) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Applied Chaos Theory: A Paradigm for Complexity (Hardcover)

The book has some fine features. But it doesn't explain anything. So, if you already know about chaos and want to read a brief review then probably it is ok (but read ahead). If you don't know about chaos you'll get lost.

The book is too expensive for what it offers!!.

7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cogently Written, March 8, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Applied Chaos Theory: A Paradigm for Complexity (Hardcover)

Not a bad survey. Well written and easy enough for any layman to understand. This is a survey that puts the author's uniqique synthesis of some rather broad and difficult fields into words and he does a good job of it. After reading this book you will not only have a good handle on what chaos is or isn't but how it has emerged from seemingly dipsarate fields of science.