Six Degrees
The New Science of Networks
Published on 21. August 2014
368 pages
978-1-4481-6360-1 (ISBN)
Description
'Six degrees of separation' is a cliche, as is 'it's a small world', both cliches of the language and cliches of everyday experience. But it's also an intriguing idea with a long history and some surprising implications. We all live in tightly bonded social networks, yet linked to vast numbers of people more closely than we sometimes think. Scientists have begun to apply insights from the theoretical study of networks to understand forms as superficially different as social networks and electrical networks, computer networks and economic networks, and to show how common principles underlie them all.
Duncan J. Watts explores the science of networks and its implications, ranging from the Dutch tulipmania of the seventeenth century, the success of Harry Potter, the impact of September 11th on Manhattan, to the structure of the world wide web.
Duncan J. Watts explores the science of networks and its implications, ranging from the Dutch tulipmania of the seventeenth century, the success of Harry Potter, the impact of September 11th on Manhattan, to the structure of the world wide web.
Reviews / Votes
The insights here are fairly mind-blowing * Independent * Accessible and engaging * Nature * A fascinating read * Good Book Guide * Watts looks at the new science of connectivity studies in a new and informative way...he takes us on a fascinating tour of a newly emerging subject * Focus * Watt's theory is exciting for various reasons, but particularly because it brings together ideas from mathematics, physics and the social science. Oh, and popular culture, of course * Independent on Sunday *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Vintage Publishing
Target group
Professional and scholarly
College/higher education
File size
2,58 MB
ISBN-13
978-1-4481-6360-1 (9781448163601)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
05/2004
Vintage
€23.90
Shipment within 10-20 days
Person
An Australian, born in Canada, Duncan Watts currently teaches Sociology at Columbia University in New York. He is the author of Small Worlds: The Dynamics of Networks Between Order and Randomness (Princeton University Press; 1999).
