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SUMMARY:Physics in the Science of Social Systems - Prof. Dirk Helbing\, ET
 H Zürich
DTSTART:20121031T200000Z
DTEND:20121031T210000Z
UID:TALK40542@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Rok Nezic
DESCRIPTION:Social systems may be viewed as complex multi-component system
 s. But given the cognitive features and the diversity of social agents\, i
 s it possible to develop explanatory theories of social phenomena\, and if
  so\, how? What are the potentials and limitations of a quantitative appro
 ach? And how to put social theories to the test\, or apply them? What can 
 physics contribute to the progress of this field? \nThese questions will b
 e addressed with examples from opinion formation\, pedestrian\, crowd\, an
 d traffic dynamics\, as well as the emergence of social coordination\, coo
 peration and norms. It will be shown that models of social phenomena can b
 e used to create socio-inspired technologies\, and to mitigate problems su
 ch as traffic jams\, failures of financial systems\, and conflicts. It wil
 l also be argued that many fields of physics\, from mechanics\, over kinet
 ic gas theory and fluid dynamics\, up to spin systems and renormalization 
 theory could make fundamental contributions to revealing some of the most 
 exciting (social) scientific puzzles of the 21st century.\n\nTalk is free 
 for members\, and £2 for non-members.
LOCATION:Plant Sciences Lecture Theatre\, Downing Site
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