Includes bibliographical references (p. [371]-387) and index.

Introduction.- How to Build up a Model.- I. Mean-Field Type Models: Differential Equations.- Recurrence Equations.- Chaos.- II. Agent-Based Models: Cellular Automata.- Networks.- Power-law Distributions.

This book explores the process of modeling complex systems in the widest sense of that term, drawing on examples from such diverse fields as ecology, epidemiology, sociology, seismology, as well as economics. It also provides the mathematical tools for studying the dynamics of these systems. Boccara takes a carefully inductive approach in defining what it means for a system to be complex (and at the same time addresses the equally elusive concept of emergent properties). This is the first text on the subject to draw comprehensive conclusions from such a wide range of analogous phenomena.