What is life? Is it just the biologically familiar--birds, trees, snails, people--or is it an infinitely complex set of patterns that a computer could simulate? What role does intelligence play in separating the organic from the inorganic, the living from the inert? Does life evolve along a predestined path, or does it suddenly emerge from what appeared lifeless and programmatic?

In this easily accessible and wide-ranging survey, Claus Emmeche outlines many of the challenges and controversies involved in the dynamic and curious science of artificial life. Emmeche describes the work being done by an international network of biologists, computer scientists, and physicists who are using computers to study life as it could be, or as it might evolve under conditions different from those on earth.

Many artificial-life researchers believe that they can create new life in the computer by simulating the processes observed in traditional, biological life-forms. The flight of a flock of birds, for example, can be reproduced faithfully and in all its complexity by a relatively simple computer program that is designed to generate electronic "boids." Are these "boids" then alive? The central problem, Emmeche notes, lies in defining the salient differences between biological life and computer simulations of its processes. And yet, if we can breathe life into a computer, what might this mean for our other assumptions about what it means to be alive?

"The Garden in the Machine" touches on every aspect of this complex and rapidly developing discipline, including its connections to artificial intelligence, chaos theory, computational theory, and studies of emergence. Drawing on the most current work in the field, this book is a major overview of artificial life. Professionals and nonscientists alike will find it an invaluable guide to concepts and technologies that may forever change our definition of life.

You probably know the points you want to get across when giving employees feedback. But you may be unsure of exactly how to get the points across effectively, without causing damage. This book puts all the tools you need at your fingertips with ready-to-use nonverbal and verbal techniques, words and phrases, and even a practical framework for structuring the conversation.

Master the fundamental skills necessary to maintain a personal relationship. There are many books out there on relationships. But this one is different. It teaches social, intellectual and emotional skills you can actually apply in your life to create a lasting and intimate relationship whether youre married, engaged or in a committed partnership. The information and skills introduced are based on scientific principles and research not on the authors opinions. Together the skills form a model for how to be in a personal relationship. Each skill is introduced, explained and defined at the beginning of its section. The skills are demonstrated through short stories based on real-world examples. Concrete and specific definitions of each skill are located in boxes. Practice sessions encourage you to reflect on the material and how it relates to your life. Action strategies present short scenarios that reflect the skills you just learned. A DVD comes with the book and brings to life human behaviors that you can study and adapt to your own skills.

The highly successful intervention model is demonstrated through practical skill related exercises including - The Basics (sizing up skills), The Add-ons (communicating skills), and The Applications (controlling skills). This is a worthwhile series for any Law Enforcement or Governmental Organization.

This timely series is based upon 15 years of experience and work of trainers and researchers in the field of criminal justice. Each book is filled with the practical skills and actual techniques and methods. The focus is on how to communicate and get others to what is desired with minimal hassles. Examples and techniques are based on the real world and can readily be used as a part of a hands-on training program. The highly successful intervention model is demonstrated through practical skill related exercises including - The Basics (sizing up skills), The Add-ons (communicating skills), and The Applications (controlling skills). This is a worthwhile series for any Law Enforcement or Governmental Organization.

Making Social Science Matter presents an exciting new approach to social science, including theoretical argument, methodological guidelines, and examples of practical application. Why has social science failed in attempts to emulate natural science and produce normal theory? Bent Flyvbjerg argues that the strength of social science is in its rich, reflexive analysis of values and power, essential to the social and economic development of any society. Richly informed, powerfully argued, and clearly written, this book provides essential reading for all those in the social and behavioral sciences.

What does it mean to lead? Are there natural born leaders? Can leadership be taught? Throw out everything you thought you knew. Leaders without Titles challenges the way we determine who our leaders should be and uncovers the factors that really influence the ability to lead.

Making Social Science Matter presents an exciting new approach to social science, including theoretical argument, methodological guidelines, and examples of practical application. Why has social science failed in attempts to emulate natural science and produce normal theory? Bent Flyvbjerg argues that the strength of social science is in its rich, reflexive analysis of values and power, essential to the social and economic development of any society. Richly informed, powerfully argued, and clearly written, this book provides essential reading for all those in the social and behavioral sciences.