
From Cosmos to Chaos
The Science of Unpredictability
Peter Coles(Author)
Oxford University Press
Published on 15. June 2006
Book
Hardback
228 pages
978-0-19-856762-2 (ISBN)
Description
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.
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.
Reviews / Votes
...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 *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
24 figures
Dimensions
Height: 222 mm
Width: 145 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight
456 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-856762-2 (9780198567622)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Book
08/2010
Oxford University Press
€41.52
Shipment within 15-20 days
Person
Professor Peter Coles
School of Physics and Astronomy,
University of Nottingham,
University Park,
NOTTINGHAM, NG7 2RD
I was an undergraduate at the University of Cambridge, where I did Natural Sciences specialising in Theoretical Physics. I moved to Sussex in 1985 and did a DPhil in Theoretical Astronomy under the supervision of Professor John D. Barrow, the famous writer. I stayed on at Sussex for two years as a PDRA, then moved to Queen Mary & Westfield College (University of London) in 1990 to take up a temporary lectureship. I was awarded a PPARC Advanced Fellowship in 1993, which I held there until 1998. Meanwhile I was appointed Lecturer-in-Waiting in 1994 and then promoted to Reader-in-Waiting in 1997. On January 1st 1999 I became the first Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Nottingham.
School of Physics and Astronomy,
University of Nottingham,
University Park,
NOTTINGHAM, NG7 2RD
I was an undergraduate at the University of Cambridge, where I did Natural Sciences specialising in Theoretical Physics. I moved to Sussex in 1985 and did a DPhil in Theoretical Astronomy under the supervision of Professor John D. Barrow, the famous writer. I stayed on at Sussex for two years as a PDRA, then moved to Queen Mary & Westfield College (University of London) in 1990 to take up a temporary lectureship. I was awarded a PPARC Advanced Fellowship in 1993, which I held there until 1998. Meanwhile I was appointed Lecturer-in-Waiting in 1994 and then promoted to Reader-in-Waiting in 1997. On January 1st 1999 I became the first Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Nottingham.
Content
1. Probable Nature ; 2. The Logic of Uncertainty ; 3. Lies, Damned Lies, and Astronomy ; 4. Bayesians Versus Frequentists ; 5. Randomness ; 6. From Engines and Entropy ; 7. Quantum Roulette ; 8. Believing the Big Bang ; 9. Cosmos and Its Discontents ; 10. Life, the Universe and Everything ; 11. Summing Up