Modeling reality: how computers mirror life

"Modeling Reality covers a wide range of subjects, accessible to anyone who wants to learn about the use of computer modeling to solve a diverse range of problems, but who does not possess a specialized training in mathematics or computer science. The material presented is pitched at the level of high-school graduates, even though it covers some advanced topics (cellular automata, Shannon's measure of information, deterministic chaos, fractals, game theory, neural networks, genetic algorithms, and Turing machines). These advanced topics are explained in terms of well known simple concepts: Cellular automata - Game of life, Shannon's formula - Game of twenty questions, Game theory - Television quiz, etc. The book is unique at explaining in a straightforward and complete fashion many important ideas, related to various models of reality and their applications. Twenty-five programs, written specifically for the book, are provided on an accompanying CD, greatly enhancing the pedagogical value and enjoyment of learing."--BOOK JACKET.

Includes index.

From building blocks to computers: models and modeling -- The game of life: a legendary cellular automaton -- Heads or tails: probability of an event -- Galton's board: probability and statistics -- Twenty questions: probability and information -- Snowflakes: the evolution of dynamical systems -- The Lorenz butterfly: deterministic chaos -- From Cantor to Mandelbrot: self-similarity and fractals -- Typing monkeys: statistical linguistics -- The bridges to Königsberg: graph theory -- Prisoner's dilemma: game theory -- Let the best man win: genetic algorithms -- Computers can learn: neural networks -- Unpredictable individuals: modeling society -- Universal computer: the Turing machine -- Hal, R2D2, and number 5: artificial intelligence.