On the frontier of complexity science since he was a boy, Wolfram is a champion of cellular automata--256 "programs" governed by simple nonmathematical rules. He points out that even the most complex equations fail to accurately model biological systems, but the simplest cellular automata can produce results straight out of nature--tree branches, stream eddies, and leopard spots, for instance. The graphics in A New Kind of Science show striking resemblance to the patterns we see in nature every day.
Wolfram wrote the book in a distinct style meant to make it easy to read, even for nontechies; a basic familiarity with logic is helpful but not essential. Readers will find themselves swept away by the elegant simplicity of Wolfram's ideas and the accidental artistry of the cellular automaton models. Whether or not Wolfram's revolution ultimately gives us the keys to the universe, his new science is absolutely awe-inspiring. --Therese Littleton
Save your money and or buy another book on CAs (a shorter one); you'll learn the same thing.
Many people have criticized Wolfram for his pretending that he is the inventor of all these rather standard ideas and facts in computer science.
The idea that the Universe, in all its complexity, may be a result of very simple (computational) rules is not new.
Based on a further exploration of cellular automata (CA) and the notion that modesty is a bad habit Wolfram offers us a tome devoted to "a new kind of science". Read morePublished 3 months ago by Quinton Fox
Has far reaching implications in science, computer future and philosophical development. I will be using it as a reference manual for new thinking in patterns, graph set theory,... Read morePublished 3 months ago by JD
The book is in mint condition...as promised...and this shipment exceeded my expectations with 1) Perfect Condition of book, 2) Personal Touches (Thank-You note and Signature) and... Read morePublished 5 months ago by John Mazurkewiz
The book discusses how simple designs, systems, or concepts can generated vast and complex outcomes, effects, and behaviors as an exploration of how the fundamental nature of our... Read morePublished 6 months ago by Jacob Watters
Wolfram's book engaged me at the outset by several key points. My background is in physics and engineering, with a bit of exposure to computation theory. Read morePublished 7 months ago by Burnie
Although I think there is merit in looking for simple fundamental mechanisms to explain nature this book could have been reduced to a 8 page pamphlet to thoroughly explain his... Read morePublished 8 months ago by Kalifer Deil
It's boring. Scientifically accurate, sure, but fit only for specialists, I guess. If you have plenty of spare time and nothing else to do, then...Published 9 months ago by cerinto
it is super duper annoying when amazon deletes an item and makes it disappear down the memory hole. They should at least specify what it is.Published 10 months ago by Doctor Q
I was surprised to see how divisive this book appears to be among readers based on the reviews here. Read morePublished 12 months ago by Always ask why