1.

Record Nr.

UNINA9910465794903321

Autore

Coles Peter

Titolo

From cosmos to chaos [[electronic resource] ] : the science of unpredictability / / Peter Coles

Pubbl/distr/stampa

Oxford ; ; New York, : Oxford University Press, 2006

ISBN

0-19-958814-7

1-4294-9264-3

1-280-90401-1

0-19-152438-7

Descrizione fisica

1 online resource (225 p.)

Disciplina

501/.5192

Soggetti

Science - Methodology

Science - Forecasting

Probabilities

Electronic books.

Lingua di pubblicazione

Inglese

Formato

Materiale a stampa

Livello bibliografico

Monografia

Note generali

Includes index.

Nota di bibliografia

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Nota di contenuto

Contents; List of Figures; 1. Probable Nature; 2. The Logic of Uncertainty; 3. Lies, Damned Lies, and Astronomy; 4. Bayesians versus Frequentists; 5. Randomness; 6. From Engines to Entropy; 7. Quantum Roulette; 8. Believing the Big Bang; 9. Cosmos and its Discontents; 10. Life, the Universe and Everything; 11. Summing Up; Index; A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; V; W

Sommario/riassunto

This book looks at the role of probability in modern science. Using the most exciting developments in fundamental physics as examples, it shows how central is the need to deal with uncertainty and incomplete knowledge. Focussing on this aspect of the latest discoveries helps the reader get behind the hype, and understanding the uncertain status of things that are often presented as certainties. The book covers recent exciting developments in physics, such as superstrings and dark energy, but also draws lessons for everyday life. Written by an insider, and using non-technical language, it is an