Hierarchy in Natural and Social Sciences

2006. Auflage 2005
ISBN: 978-1-4020-4126-6
Verlag: Springer Nature Singapore

Buch, Englisch, Band 3, 246 Seiten, Format (B × H): 167 mm x 247 mm, Gewicht: 1190 g

Reihe: Methodos Series

Hierarchy is a form of organisation of complex systems that rely on or produce a strong differentiation in capacity (power and size) between the parts of the system. It is frequently observed within the natural living world as well as in social institutions. According to the authors, hierarchy results from random processes, follows an intentional design, or is the result of the organisation which ensures an optimal circulation of energy for information.

This book reviews ancient and modern representations and explanations of hierarchies, and compares their relevance in a variety of fields, such as language, societies, cities, and living species. It throws light on concepts and models such as scaling laws, fractals and self-organisation that are fundamental in the dynamics and morphology of complex systems.

At a time when networks are celebrated for their efficiency, flexibility and better social acceptance, much can be learned about the persistent universality and adaptability of hierarchies, and from the analogies and differences between biological and social organisation and processes. This book addresses a wide audience of biologists and social scientists, as well as managers and executives in a variety of institutions.

Zielgruppe

Research

Autoren/Hrsg.

Pumain, Denise

Fachgebiete

• Interdisziplinäres Wissenschaften Wissenschaften: Allgemeines Wissenschaften: Theorie, Epistemologie, Methodik
• Geisteswissenschaften Philosophie Wissenschaftstheorie, Wissenschaftsphilosophie
• Interdisziplinäres Wissenschaften Wissenschaften: Forschung und Information Kybernetik, Systemtheorie, Komplexe Systeme
• Sozialwissenschaften Soziologie | Soziale Arbeit Soziologie Allgemein
• Medizin | Veterinärmedizin Medizin | Public Health | Pharmazie | Zahnmedizin Medizin, Gesundheitswesen Medizinische Mathematik & Informatik
• Geowissenschaften Geographie | Raumplanung Regional- & Raumplanung Landschaftsplanung, Ländliche Planung
• Geisteswissenschaften Sprachwissenschaft Sprachwissenschaften
• Interdisziplinäres Wissenschaften Wissenschaften Interdisziplinär Wirtschafts- und Sozialwissenschaften
• Geisteswissenschaften Philosophie Erkenntnistheorie
• Mathematik | Informatik Mathematik Mathematik Interdisziplinär Systemtheorie
• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Betriebswirtschaft Organisationstheorie, Organisationssoziologie, Organisationspsychologie
• Interdisziplinäres Wissenschaften Wissenschaften: Forschung und Information Datenanalyse, Datenverarbeitung
• Geowissenschaften Geographie | Raumplanung Regional- & Raumplanung Stadtplanung, Kommunale Planung

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Hierarchy: A Short History of a Word in Western Thought.- Biological and Ecological Systems Hierarchical Organisation.- Size, Scale and the Boat Race; Conceptions, Connections and Misconceptions.- Hierarchy, Complexity, Society.- Hierarchy in Lexical Organisation of Natural Languages.- Hierarchy in Cities and City Systems.- Alternative Explanations of Hierarchical Differentiation in Urban Systems.- Conclusion.