From Cosmos to Chaos

The Science of Unpredictability

Peter Coles author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Oxford University Press

Published:15th Jun '06

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

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From Cosmos to Chaos cover

Cosmology has undergone a revolution in recent years. The exciting interplay between astronomy and fundamental physics has led to dramatic revelations, including the existence of the dark matter and the dark energy that appear to dominate our cosmos. But these discoveries only reveal themselves through small effects in noisy experimental data. Dealing with such observations requires the careful application of probability and statistics. But it is not only in the arcane world of fundamental physics that probability theory plays such an important role. It has an impact in many aspects of our everyday life, from the law courts to the lottery. Why then do so few people understand probability? And why do so few people understand why it is so important for science? Why do so many people think that science is about absolute certainty when, at its core, it is actually dominated by uncertainty? This book attempts to explain the basics of probability theory, and illustrate their application across the entire spectrum of science.

...the refreshingly opinionated writing of Peter Coles in 'From Cosmos to Chaos'. This is really a book about probability theory and its application to different branches of science, but Coles is a Professor of Astrophysics, and cosmology is one of the most evident strengths of his book.
...[a] very readable book. * Zentralblatt Math 1099-115 *
...the book provides a truly enjoyable overview of the role of probability in science, as well as in everyday life. It is aimed essentially at non-specialist readers, but even those who are familiar with its contents will enjoy the stimulating presentation. * Nature, Vol. 443, October 2006 *
...refreshingly opinionated writing... * Jim Bennett, Times Literary Supplement *

ISBN: 9780198567622

Dimensions: 223mm x 145mm x 16mm

Weight: 431g

228 pages