The Nature of Technology: What It Is and How It Evolves

The Nature of Technology: What It Is and How It Evolves

Leading scientific theorist W. Brian Arthur puts forth the first complete theory of the origins and evolution of technology, in a major work that achieves for the invention of new technologies what Darwinâ€™s theory achieved for the emergence of new species.

Brian Arthur is a pioneer of complexity theory and the discoverer of the highly influential "theory of increasing returns," which took Silicon Valley by storm, famously explaining why some high-tech companies achieve breakaway success. Now, in this long-awaited and ground-breaking book, he solves the great outstanding puzzle of technologyâ€”where do transformative new technologies come from?â€”putting forth the first full theory of how new technologies emerge and offering a definitive answer to the mystery of why some culturesâ€”Silicon Valley, Cambridge, England in the 1920sâ€”are so extraordinarily inventive. He has discovered that rather than springing from insight moments of individual genius, new technologies arise in a process akin to evolution. Technology evolves by creating itself out of itself, much as a coral reef builds itself from activities of small organisms.

Drawing on a wealth of examples, from the most ancient to cutting-edge inventions of today, Arthur takes readers on a delightful intellectual journey, bringing to life the wonders of this process of technological evolution. The Nature of Technology is the work of one of our greatest thinkers at the top of his game, composing a classic for our times that is sure to generate wide acclaim.
Country USA
Manufacturer Free Press
Binding Hardcover
ReleaseDate 2009-08-11
UnitCount 24
EANs 9781416544050

Country	USA
Manufacturer	Free Press
Binding	Hardcover
ReleaseDate	2009-08-11
UnitCount	24
EANs	9781416544050

The Nature of Technology: What It Is and How It Evolves

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