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.
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Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9783642552304
Publisert
2018
Utgiver
Vendor
Copernicus
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Digital bok
Forfatter