Diversity and Complexity (ebook)

Argumento de Diversity and Complexity (ebook)

"Scott Page effectively illustrates the multiplicity of results from diverse aspects of complex systems. While all too many social scientists have tried to focus on making analysis simple, Page points out that this overlooks the great variety of relevant material in our social worlds. I am looking forward to having my students read it in my graduate seminar and encourage others to do so as well."--Elinor Ostrom, winner of the Nobel Prize in economics

"At once clear and precise, Page not only makes a persuasive case for the advantages of diversity in biological, ecological, and social systems alike, but also provides the reader with the analytical tools necessary to engage real-world debates in a rational, even quantitative manner. The result is a valuable primer on a difficult and important subject."--Duncan J. Watts, author of Small Worlds: The Dynamics of Networks between Order and Randomness

"Scott Page has performed a remarkable work of synthesis. The concepts of diversity and its implications for performance and growth are common to many fields, especially biology and economics. Page has drawn these illustrations together and shown the common elements and how each field illuminates others."--Kenneth J. Arrow, winner of the Nobel Prize in economics

"Page engagingly seduces readers into rather deep ideas in complex systems, including sophisticated mathematical formulas, by using a relaxed style with lots of examples. Yet the treatment is rigorous."--Simon A. Levin, Princeton University

"One of the book's many strengths is that it draws upon insights from seemingly disconnected areas of research and shows how they can be viewed within a common framework. Page's style is lively and conversational, making challenging subject matter quite readable, but without any sacrifice of rigor. He manages to convey both the excitement and difficulty of analyzing complex systems and the role of diversity within them."--Rajiv Sethi, Barnard College, Columbia University0Acknowledgments ix
Prelude: The Meaning of Diversity 1
Chapter 1: On Diversity and Complexity 16
Chapter 2: Measuring Diversity 54
Chapter 3: The Creation and Evolution of Diversity 79
Chapter 4: Constraints on Diversity 127
Chapter 5: Variation in Complex Systems 148
Chapter 6: Diversity's Inescapable Benefits I: Averaging 167
Chapter 7: Diversity's Inescapable Benefits II: Diminishing Returns to Types 183
Chapter 8: Diversity's Impact in Complex Systems 196
Chapter 9: Parting Thoughts 249
Bibliography 257
Notes 271
Index 281