{"title":"Karl Sigmund","description":"\u003cp\u003eDive into the intriguing world of Karl Sigmund, a distinguished author renowned for his captivating works in the realms of science, nature, biography, and memoir. With a penchant for elucidating complex scientific ideas through masterfully woven narratives, Sigmund invites readers to explore the profound impact of mathematics and logic on the modern world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eExact Thinking in Demented Times\u003c\/em\u003e, Sigmund paints a vivid picture of the intellectual giants of the early 20th century who shaped logical positivism. This engrossing biography delves into the lives and minds of these thinkers, providing a comprehensive account of their influence during turbulent times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor those intrigued by the intersections of human behaviour and mathematical theory, \u003cem\u003eThe Calculus of Selfishness\u003c\/em\u003e offers a compelling exploration. Sigmund delves into the mathematics underpinning decision-making, examining how these principles manifest in both individual and collective human actions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eKarl Sigmund's collection is a must-read for anyone looking to expand their understanding of the world through the lens of science and history. Whether you are absorbing the intricate dynamics of human selfishness or uncovering the stories of pioneering scientific minds, Sigmund’s books promise to enrich your knowledge and provoke thoughtful reflection.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"exact-thinking-in-demented-times","title":"Exact Thinking in Demented Times","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlbert Einstein's theory of relativity and the endeavours of Bertrand Russell and David Hilbert to establish the fundamental rules of mathematics inspired some of the most brilliant minds of their generation to convene in post-World War I Vienna. This assemblage, known as the Vienna Circle, consisted of intellectual giants like Kurt Gödel and Rudolf Carnap, who sought to advance the latest theories in mathematics, science, and philosophy. Luminaries like Ludwig Wittgenstein and Karl Popper further stimulated their work, resulting in a profound impact on the scientific community and an enduring legacy in the philosophy of science.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eExact Thinking in Demented Times\u003c\/i\u003e by Karl Sigmund is an illuminating and meticulously researched narrative that delves into the lives and works of the Vienna Circle's members. The book chronicles their bold and often radical ideas, which laid the groundwork for modern scientific investigation and logical positivism. Through rich storytelling, Sigmund brings the reader into the intellectual fervour of the era, illustrating how these thinkers' groundbreaking theories emerged in a time of political turmoil and social upheaval.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe book doesn't shy away from presenting the complex personalities and the, at times, contentious relationships among these intellectuals. It reveals the intense personal and professional rivalries, the tragic life stories, and the tumultuous socio-political climate that shaped their work. From Gödel's incompleteness theorems, which shook the foundations of mathematics, to Carnap's advancements in logical syntax, \u003ci\u003eExact Thinking in Demented Times\u003c\/i\u003e offers a vivid portrayal of the struggles and triumphs that marked this extraordinary period of intellectual history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAdditionally, the narrative sheds light on the broader cultural impacts of the Vienna Circle's work, exploring how their ideas influenced and were influenced by the world around them. As fascism arose and war loomed once more, many members of the Circle faced persecution, exile, and even death. Their commitment to rational and empirical methods in a world leaning towards dogma and extremism provides a poignant backdrop to their academic achievements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eExact Thinking in Demented Times\u003c\/i\u003e is not just a history of ideas but also a tribute to those who dared to revolutionise human knowledge despite insurmountable odds. It is a testament to the power of critical thinking and the enduring quest for truth in a world often resistant to change. Readers interested in the history of science, philosophy, and 20th-century intellectual movements will find this book to be an essential and compelling addition to their library.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45711770026220,"sku":"9780465096954","price":59.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780465096954.jpg?v=1725977582"},{"product_id":"the-calculus-of-selfishness-by-karl-sigmund-9780691171081","title":"The Calculus of Selfishness","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow does cooperation emerge among selfish individuals? When do people share resources, punish those they consider unfair, and engage in joint enterprises? These questions fascinate philosophers, biologists, and economists alike, for the \"invisible hand\" that should turn selfish efforts into public benefit is not always at work. \u003cem\u003eThe Calculus of Selfishness\u003c\/em\u003e looks at social dilemmas where cooperative motivations are subverted and self-interest becomes self-defeating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eKarl Sigmund, a pioneer in evolutionary game theory, uses simple and well-known game theory models to examine the foundations of collective action and the effects of reciprocity and reputation. Focusing on some of the best-known social and economic experiments, including games such as the Prisoner's Dilemma, Trust, Ultimatum, Snowdrift, and Public Good, Sigmund explores the conditions leading to cooperative strategies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHis approach is based on evolutionary game dynamics, applied to deterministic and probabilistic models of economic interactions. Exploring basic strategic interactions among individuals guided by self-interest and caught in social traps, \u003cem\u003eThe Calculus of Selfishness\u003c\/em\u003e analyses to what extent one key facet of human nature—selfishness—can lead to cooperation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"NewSouth Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46854915326188,"sku":"9780691171081","price":127.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/c7c9706e44dae864a7a57001c9af4b74.jpg?v=1759263257"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/collections\/karl-sigmund.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}