In this narrative tour de force, five of the greatest minds of the twentieth century argue whether machines will ever have the ability to think like humansand whether they should be allowed to do so.

John L Casti has created a fascinating, genre-bending book an accessible novel of ideas which explores the fundamental nature of mind and machine.

Exploring the syntax and semantics of the language in which mathematical modelling rules are written, this text moves from the basics of modelling to the upper reaches of scientific and philosophical speculation.

This book argues that all social events ranging from music and art to the rise and fall of civilizations are biased by a society's positive or negative attitude. It includes many examples plus methods used to measure societal moods and predict the future.

After describing his childhood in the Moravian capital of Brno, the authors shed light on Godel's contributions to mathematics, philosophy, computer science, artificial intelligence and even cosmology. They also describe Godel's eccentricities and friendship with Albert Einstein.

Casti is one of the great science writers. -San Francisco Examiner Casti's gift is to be able to let the nonmathematical reader share in his understanding of the beauty of a good theory.

Casti is one of the great science writers. -San Francisco Examiner Casti's gift is to be able to let the nonmathematical reader share in his understanding of the beauty of a good theory.

Exploring the syntax and semantics of the language in which mathematical modelling rules are written, this text moves from the basics of modelling to the upper reaches of scientific and philosophical speculation.

An excellent summary - for the layman and expert alike - of what we understand about key scientific issues.