Chaos, Complexity, and Sociology

The authors of this volume provide a timely collection of articles which examine the emerging myths and theories surrounding the study of chaos and complexity. In the second part methodological matters are considered. Finally, conceptual models and applications are presented. This perceptive and thorough volume will be useful to sociologists and others interested in chaos and complexity theory.

The authors of this volume provide a timely collection of articles which examine the emerging myths and theories surrounding the study of chaos and complexity. In the second part methodological matters are considered. Finally, conceptual models and applications are presented. This perceptive and thorough volume will be useful to sociologists and others interested in chaos and complexity theory.

Foreword - Frederick Turner Chaos and Social SciencePrefacePART ONE: EMERGING NEW DIRECTIONS: MYTHS AND THEORIESThe Myth of Postmodern Science - Bob PriceFrom Enlightenment to Chaos - Mary E Lee Toward Nonmodern Social TheoryThe Persistence of ¿Emergence¿ - Kevin MihataChaos and Complexity - Kurt W Back Necessary MythsNonlinear Dynamics and the Micro-Macro Bridge - Thomas S SmithNonlinear Dynamics, Complexity and Public Policy - Euel Elliot and L Douglas Kiel Use, Misuse and ApplicabilitySelf-Organization of the Economy - Helmut Michael Staubmann A System-Theoretical Reconsideration of Georg Simmel¿s Philosophy of MoneyThe Omicron Point Sociological Application of the Anthropic Theory - William Sims BainbridgeThe Origins of Order and Disorder in Physical and Social Deterministic Systems - Alvin M SapersteinPART TWO: PRELIMINARY THINKING ABOUT METHODSWebs of Chaos - William F Stroup II Implications for Research DesignsChaos and Social Reality - R J Bird An Emergent PerspectiveChaos and Pattern in Complex Systems - Ben GoertzelPART THREE: CONCEPTUAL MODELS AND APPLICATIONSDynamics of Children¿s Friendships - Lutz-Michael Alisch, Shahram Azizighanbari and Martin BargfeldtShort-Term Changes in the Domestic Division of Labor - Sara Horsfall and Elizabeth Maret Intimations of ComplexityBiological Foundations of Social Interaction - Thomas S Smith and Gregory T Stevens Explorations of Nonlinear Dynamics in Arousal-ModulationCollective Behavior Following Disasters - Eve Passerini and David Bahr A Cellular Automation ModelOrganizations and Constraint-Based Adaptation - Kakthleen M CarleyChaotic Behavior in Society - Kevin Dooley et al Adolescent Childbearing in Texas 1964-1990So Where Are We Now? A Final Word - Raymond A Eve