The Sciences of the Artificial, third edition

by Herbert A. Simon

Cover for The Sciences of the Artificial, third edition

Book Summary

Herbert A. Simon's "The Sciences of the Artificial," now in its third edition, offers a profound exploration into the nature of artificial systems, emphasizing their unique place in scientific inquiry. Simon, a pioneering thinker, challenges traditional boundaries between natural and artificial phenomena, advancing a framework for understanding how artifacts, designed systems, and constructed phenomena can be studied with rigor akin to natural sciences.

  • Artificial versus natural: Simon distinguishes artificial systems from natural ones based on their designed purpose and functionality, rather than their material composition.
  • Design as a science: He posits that design...

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