ISBN:
9783642552304
Language:
English
Pages:
1 online resource (270 pages)
Edition:
1st ed.
Series Statement:
Green Energy and Technology
Parallel Title:
Erscheint auch als
DDC:
303.483
Keywords:
Complexity (Philosophy) ; Fiction..
;
Poetry ; Translations into English
;
Electronic books
Abstract:
Why do things go wrong? Why, despite all the planning and care in the world, do things go from bad to worse? This book argues that it is because we are like the ants. Just as ants create an anthill without being aware of it, unintended side effects of human activity create all manner of social trends and crises. The book traces the way these trends emerge and the role they play in some of the major issues of our time. One of the greatest challenges today is the complexity of our social and economic systems. Every action has side effects that people often ignore or fail to see. The book examines the ways in which limitations in our thinking and behaviour lead to unintended side effects. It looks at the role played by complex networks of interactions. Finally, it looks at the way side effects of new technologies, especially computers and communication, have created an Information Revolution, the full repercussions of which are yet to be seen. In our race to create new technologies and sustain indefinite economic growth, we are at best dimly aware of the ways in which we are transforming society and threatening our environment.
Abstract:
Intro -- Preface -- Contents -- 1 From Bad to Worse -- Abstract -- A Night of Terror -- From Bad to Worse -- Unintended Consequences -- The Immediate Drives Out the Important -- The Challenge of Complexity -- The Best Laid Plans -- End Notes -- 2 Of Ants and Men -- Abstract -- Why are Left-Handers Good at Sport? -- Location, Location, Location -- The Ant Hill -- Of Ants and Men -- The Human Ant Heap -- End Notes -- 3 A Tangled Web -- Abstract -- Keep it Simple -- A Tangled Web -- A Flock of Birds -- A Game of Chess -- Batteries Not Included -- Winning Strategies -- On Being Lucky -- End Notes -- 4 The Eye of the Beholder -- Abstract -- The Glass Half Empty -- From Toy Ships to Fashion Parades -- Seeing the Wood for the Trees -- In the Lap of the Gods -- Witch Hunts -- Here and Now -- End Notes -- 5 The Animal Within -- Abstract -- Basic Instincts -- The Group -- No Place Like Home -- Looking Good -- Elvis Lives -- Conquering Nature? -- End Notes -- 6 More Things in Heaven and Earth -- Abstract -- Over the Top -- Reality Unchecked -- The Space Race Springs a Leak -- Closing the Box -- More Things in Heaven and Earth -- The Unsinkable Titanic -- End Notes -- 7 The Sting in the Tail -- Abstract -- Biased Samples -- Means and Extremes -- All Roads Lead to Disaster -- Managing Social Extremes -- Eliminating Extremes -- From Bias to Prejudice -- Force of Habit -- A Frog in Hot Water -- End Notes -- 8 Divide and Rule -- Abstract -- Why is a House Like a Handbag? -- Divide and Rule -- Morning Tea at the Office -- Climbing the Pyramid -- The Brittleness of Modern Technology -- Thinking Inside a Closed Box -- Playing by the Numbers -- Measuring the Worth of Things -- End Notes -- 9 One Thing Leads to Another -- Abstract -- A Chain of Events -- The Domino Principle -- A Horror Plane Trip -- From Due Care to the Nanny State -- Armageddon -- End Notes.
Note:
Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources
Permalink
