Of Literature and Knowledge: Explorations in Narrative Thought Experiments, Evolution and Game Theory

You looking to find the "Of Literature and Knowledge: Explorations in Narrative Thought Experiments, Evolution and Game Theory" Good news! You can purchase Of Literature and Knowledge: Explorations in Narrative Thought Experiments, Evolution and Game Theory with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

   

Product Description

"Of Literature and Knowledge �looks ... like an important advance in this new and very important subject... literature is about to become even more interesting." �� Edward O. Wilson, Pellegrino University Professor, Harvard University.

Framed by the theory of evolution, this colourful and engaging volume presents a new understanding of the mechanisms by which we transfer information from narrative make-believe to real life. Ranging across game theory and philosophy of science, as well as poetics and aesthetics, Peter Swirski explains how literary fictions perform as a systematic tool of enquiry, driven by thought experiments. Crucially, he argues for a continuum between the cognitive tools employed by scientists, philosophers and scholars or writers of fiction.

The result is a provocative study of our talent and propensity for creating imaginary worlds, different from the world we know yet invaluable to our understanding of it. Of Literature and Knowledge is a noteworthy challenge to contemporary critical theory, arguing that by bridging the gap between literature and science we might not only reinvigorate literary studies but, above all, further our understanding of literature.

</p>

Of Literature and Knowledge: Explorations in Narrative Thought Experiments, Evolution and Game Theory Review

I need to explain that my background in mainly in the social sciences,

although I read widely in literature and have recently been involved in an interdisciplinary program called Literature, Science, Society. This is also why I was attracted to buy this book, and, having read it in one evening, I am amazed that such an original, wide ranging and colorfully written book has not yet been the subject of a dozen reviews. You can gauge the quality of this extraordinary little volume by the editorial reviews. The first is by E.O.Wilson, one of the greatest scientists of our times (and controversial too), and the other from Joseph Carroll who, as far as I can tell, is the best critic in the field called literary/evolutionary studies. Both extol the virtues of Swirski's book

and, to my mind, both are right to do so.

A few words about the structure of this book. After the introduction

which, in readability, humor, and clarity of analysis sets the tone for the other 180 pages, come 5 chapters. Chapter 1 "Literature and Knowledge" contains a detailed review of the state of literary research, or, as Swirski makes painfully clear, what goes under the name of literary research. Chapter Two "Literature and Modelling" outlines with the unexpected homologies between literature and mathematics. Chapter 3 "Literature and Evolution" is a model of how interdisciplinary analysis ought to be done: it will certainly form the backbone of the courses I teach. Chapter 4 "Literature and Thought Experiments" is in many

ways the linchpin of the book. It covers the many ways in which fiction

behaves like a thought experiment and it also reviews and rebuts the standard criticisms of counterfactual thinking. Chapter 6 "Literature and Game Theory" I found the most challenging but also the most interesting in its application of the matrix tools of the theory of games to literature.

All in all I warmly recommend this book to all teachers of literature

and the social sciences and I agree with Professor Carroll that for energy, passion, and the ability to explain difficult concepts in a clear and often funny way, the book has few equals.

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Of Literature and Knowledge: Explorations in Narrative Thought Experiments, Evolution and Game Theory" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Of Literature and Knowledge: Explorations in Narrative Thought Experiments, Evolution and Game Theory ...