Laws of the Game : How the Principles of Nature Govern Chance

by Manfred Eigen, Ruthild Winkler, Robert B. Kimber (Translator)

Using game theory and examples of actual games people play, Nobel laureate Manfred Eigen and Ruthild Winkler show how the elements of chance and rules underlie all that happens in the universe, from genetic behavior through economic growth to the composition of music.


To illustrate their argument, the authors turn to classic games--backgammon, bridge, and chess--and relate them to physical, biological, and social applications of probability theory and number theory. Further, they have invented, and present here, more than a dozen playable games derived from scientific models for equilibrium, selection, growth, and even the composition of RNA.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Mathematics, Physics, Philosophy

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1975

Reviews

[Zack Hiwiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the single most interesting book when it comes to the philosophy of games in terms of math and physics. I don't know why this isn't listed with the great foundational texts like Homo Ludens. Maybe it isn't sociological enough?

[Joe Pons · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Freedom needs order just as much as it needs room for innovation. Since there is no mathematical formula for calculating justice in advance, justice can be realized only through an evolutionary process. In every phase of this evolution, the new must prove itself against the old. This is how life originated. This is how Homo sapiens developed. Only in this way can we achieve a life of freedom and put an end to degrading dependencies and exploitation.” Pg. 135-136

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. The authors discuss how chance creates order, effecting chemical reactions, evolution, language, human thought, art, etc. They include an excellent explanation of entropy. I now understand this concept much better. The book doesn't get 5 stars because there are a few places where it wanders and a few others where the explanations could be made clearer.

[Kimberly Bøhmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Chance and rules are the elements that underlie games and play.

Play began among the elementary particles, atoms, and molecules, and now our brain cells carry it on. Human beings did not invent play, but it is play and only play that makes man complete."