Introduction to the Theory of Complex Systems
by Stefan Thurner, Rudolf Hanel, Peter Klimek · first published 2018
100% recommend
"This book is a comprehensive introduction to quantitative approaches to complex adaptive systems. Practically all areas of life on this planet are constantly confronted with complex systems, be it ecosystems, societies, traffic, financial markets, opinion formation and spreading, or the internet and social media. Complex systems are systems composed of many elements that interact strongly with each other, which makes them extremely rich dynamical systems showing a huge range of phenomena. Properties of complex systems that are of particular importance are their efficiency, robustness, resilie
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Hi HN! I am currently interested in learning about Complex Systems and the theory that has been developed in the recent decades. I am reading the excellent book called 'Introduction to the Theory of Complex Systems' (https://www.amazon.de/Introduction-Theory-Complex-Systems-Thurner/dp/019882193X) which rigorously goes through the fundamentals on the theoretical framework. It is however not very hands-on: I would…
on “Ask HN: Best Programming Course for Complex Systems?” ↗I have been super into the book Introduction to the Theory of Complex Systems by Thurner, Hanel, Klimek. I thought the whole field of Complex Systems was kind of bullshit before this book. IMO we just don't know that much in this area in 2022. It is just too new and different.…
on “Ask HN: Solving problems by mapping to other problems that we know how to solve” ↗Great. The OUP book linked above viz. Introduction to the Theory of Complex Systems by Stefan Thurner et al. looks particularly good since the ToC lists all the needed interdisciplinary topics for a study of this subject.
on “The new math of how large-scale order emerges” ↗The Gleick book is a good quick introduction to complexity. Introduction to the Theory of Complex Systems is an incredible second book on the subject but it wouldn't be fair to compare it to the Gleick book. I enjoyed How The World Really Works also.
on “Ask HN: What did you read in 2025?” ↗