Small Worlds: The Dynamics of Networks between Order and Randomness

Watts J. Duncan

ISBN 10: 0691117047 / ISBN 13: 9780691117041

Editore: Princeton University Press, 2003

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Leichte Abnutzungen. Exploring the small-world phenomenon, Duncan Watts delves into the conditions that foster the emergence of interconnected networks. He examines the concept of "six degrees of separation," highlighting how seemingly distant individuals can be linked through a few mutual acquaintances. This investigation not only illuminates social connections but also offers insights into the broader implications of network theory across various fields. Watts' analysis encourages readers to reconsider the nature of relationships and connectivity in our increasingly interconnected world.

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Dati bibliografici

• Titolo: Small Worlds: The Dynamics of Networks between Order and Randomness
• Editore: Princeton University Press
• Data di pubblicazione: 2003
• Lingua: Inglese
• ISBN 10: 0691117047
• ISBN 13: 9780691117041
• Rilegatura: Softcover
• Condizione: As New

Descrizione articolo

Riassunto

Everyone knows the small-world phenomenon: soon after meeting a stranger, we are surprised to discover that we have a mutual friend, or we are connected through a short chain of acquaintances. In his book, Duncan Watts uses this intriguing phenomenon--colloquially called "six degrees of separation"--as a prelude to a more general exploration: under what conditions can a small world arise in any kind of network?

The networks of this story are everywhere: the brain is a network of neurons; organisations are people networks; the global economy is a network of national economies, which are networks of markets, which are in turn networks of interacting producers and consumers. Food webs, ecosystems, and the Internet can all be represented as networks, as can strategies for solving a problem, topics in a conversation, and even words in a language. Many of these networks, the author claims, will turn out to be small worlds.

How do such networks matter? Simply put, local actions can have global consequences, and the relationship between local and global dynamics depends critically on the network's structure. Watts illustrates the subtleties of this relationship using a variety of simple models---the spread of infectious disease through a structured population; the evolution of cooperation in game theory; the computational capacity of cellular automata; and the sychronisation of coupled phase-oscillators.

Watts's novel approach is relevant to many problems that deal with network connectivity and complex systems' behaviour in general: How do diseases (or rumours) spread through social networks? How does cooperation evolve in large groups? How do cascading failures propagate through large power grids, or financial systems? What is the most efficient architecture for an organisation, or for a communications network? This fascinating exploration will be fruitful in a remarkable variety of fields, including physics and mathematics, as well as sociology, economics, and biology.

Informazioni sull?autore

Duncan J. Watts is the Stevens University Professor and the Penn Integrates Knowledge Professor at the University of Pennsylvania. He is the author of a Everything Is Obvious: Once You Know The Answer and Six Degrees: The Science of a Connected Age.