The Dreams of Reason: The Computer and the Rise of the Sciences of Complexity [Paperback]

Heinz R. Pagels (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Serious readers shouldn't be put off by the New Age imprint on the esteemed physicist's last work. Focusing here on three main themes--the advent of the sciences of complexity, the research role of computers and the philosophy of science, the late Pagels "again demonstrates his gift for synthesizing complex scientific information into concise, readable prose," wrote PW.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Pagels (New York Academy of Sciences) deals with three themes: development of the sciences of complexity (the extension of scientific frontiers into areas previously considered too complex for human analysis), the role of the computer as a research instrument used to simulate and model these complexities, and the corresponding change in the philosophy of science caused by developments in the first two areas. He believes that the computer will change our view of the world, transform scientific enterprise, and reduce the schism between those who think about science (philosophers) and those who do it (scientists). He has strong opinions on a variety of subjects, and this book includes something of interest, if not controversy, for scientists, computer specialists, and futurists. BOMC alternate. Hilary D. Burton, Lawrence Livermore National Lab., Livermore, Cal.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Bantam (June 1, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553347101
• ISBN-13: 978-0553347104
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #663,518 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sophisticated, enlightening, December 26, 2003

By 

Avid Reader (Franklin, Tn) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Dreams of Reason: The Computer and the Rise of the Sciences of Complexity (Hardcover)

If I had to choose one word to describe this book it would undoubtedly be "elegant". Pagels writes about a subject that few of us consider for longer that a few seconds. And it is an important one in that it seems to counter everything most humans apparently seek - perfect order.

The subject is chaos, complexity and the realization that life cannot be compartmentalized, defined, divided into neat little sections - an idea to which we all adhere one way or another. The introduction of the computer has cast a new, enormous wrinkle into the mix. For the first time we can simulate reality (indeed, life itself down to the cellular structure) and make predictions of complex phenomena.

He also espouses something quite original in his dicussion of that ancient brain vs mind question. He believes that until the mind is understood on a PHYSICAL basis it is useless to make conjectures on mental or even philosophical bases. Other subjects - consciousness, linear approaches, and even a historical analysis of the meaning of science - perhaps one of the best discussion in the entire book. His remarks on the great Karl Popper and how his works revolutionized the approach to the science world is worth the price of the book alone.

The last chapter on historical scientific creativity is a gem that should be required reading for every high school senior.
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10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good read. Neat., April 15, 2000

By 

Tapan Karwa - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Dreams of Reason: The Computer and the Rise of the Sciences of Complexity (Paperback)

This is a nicely written book. I read it a while ago but this one makes you think and reconsider what you believed. The late, Pagels, (yes, he expired on a mountain climbing expedition), is actually a physicist and like some other physicists, gives a philosophical touch to the issues. Its alot of fun reading him coz he doesnt just blabber but has put his thoughts in a very neat manner. His 'cosmic code' is also a good one. Quoting something from this one (this is actually his friends' reflections) "there are some things in the universe that man was never meant to know".

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book I've ever read, May 19, 2003

By 

Adam Joseph K (Omaha NE USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Dreams of Reason: The Computer and the Rise of the Sciences of Complexity (Hardcover)

Indeed this is the best book I've ever read. The ideas discussed in this book have never been better described or explained by any other author I have read. I keep this book with me very often and I am constantly going through it highlighting and writing in my own thoughts. It is written in a way that it does not bring a bias until all sides are presented well and in detail. If you are a philosophy buff like me and you haven't read this you either can't find it or can't read. buy it buy it buy it.