Reality rules: picturing the world of mathematics, vol. 2: The frontier

Advance acclaim for Reality Rules? "A first rate text, up-to-date and provocative, written by a master modeler, expositor and critic of the methodology of modeling." ?Philip J. Davis Coauthor, The Mathematical Experience "Along with a fascinating variety of models and mathematics, Casti has added a generous supply of workable exercises, making Reality Rules a realistic classroom text as well as a great read." ?Reuben Hersh Professor of Mathematics University of New Mexico Alternate Realities Mathematical Models of Nature and Man John L. Casti A thoroughly modern account of the theory and practice of mathematical modeling with a treatment focusing on system-theoretic concepts such as complexity, self-organization, adaptation, bifurcation, resilience, surprise and uncertainty, and the mathematical structures needed to employ these in a formal system. Includes extensive problem sets and discussion questions. "Surveys an extensive amount of modern mathematics?introduces and outlines some of these basic modern ideas for the nonspecialist." ?Donald G. Saari Northwestern University "Casti?s approach is fearless in constructing conceptual mappings between reality and mathematical notions. The book is pioneering in nature." ?Myron B. Allen University of Wyoming 1989 (0 471-61842-X) 493 pp