Mathematical Modeling - Politics & Social Sciences, Computer Science & Combinatorics, Mathematical Programming & Operations Research
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Overview
Everyone knows the small-world phenomenon: soon after meeting a stranger, we are surprised to discover that we have a mutual friend, or we are connected through a short chain of acquaintances. Duncan Watts uses this intriguing phenomenon -- colloquially called "six degrees of separation" -- as a prelude to a more general exploration: under what conditions can a small world arise in any kind of network? The networks of this story are everywhere: the brain is a network of neurons; organizations are people networks; the global economy is a network of national economies, which are networks of markets, which are in turn networks of interacting producers and consumers. How do such networks matter? Simply put, local actions can have global consequences, and the relationship between local and global dynamics depends critically on the network's structure. Watts illustrates the subtleties of this relationship using a variety of fascinating models. This exploration will be valuable to many fields, including physics and mathematics, as well as sociology, economics, and biology.Editorials
Quarterly Review of Biology -
Playfully and clearly written. . . . [Watts] uses examples adroitly, and mixes abstract theory with real-world anecdotes with superb skill. . . . I have not enjoyed reading a book this much in a long time.New Scientist -
[Small Worlds] will be seized on by those seeking a first rough map of this fascinating new mathematical land. Those entering can expect to find some amazing connections between areas of research with apparently nothing in common, such as neurology to business studies. But then, it's a small world.Science
An engaging and informative introduction.Quarterly Review of Biology
Playfully and clearly written. . . . [Watts] uses examples adroitly, and mixes abstract theory with real-world anecdotes with superb skill. . . . I have not enjoyed reading a book this much in a long time.— Peter Kareiva
New Scientist
[Small Worlds] will be seized on by those seeking a first rough map of this fascinating new mathematical land. Those entering can expect to find some amazing connections between areas of research with apparently nothing in common, such as neurology to business studies. But then, it's a small world.— Robert Matthews
Choice
Informally written and aimed at a wide audience, this book shows how mathematics yields new vistas on ubiquitous and seemingly familiar aspects of our world.Book Details
Published
September 27, 1999
Publisher
Princeton University Press
Pages
266
Format
Hardcover
ISBN
9780691005416