The Nature of Technology


Published by Simon & Schuster
This landmark work of technology theory “reframes the relationship between science and technology . . . to come up with a comprehensive theory of innovation” (The New York Times).

Where do new technologies come from? What constitutes innovation, and how is it achieved? Does technology evolve like biological life? In this groundbreaking work, pioneering complexity theorist W. Brian Arthur answers these questions and more, setting forth a boldly original way of thinking about technology.

The Nature of Technology is an elegant and powerful theory of technology’s origins and evolution. It explains with startling clarity how transformative new technologies arise and how innovation really works. Drawing on a wealth of examples, from historical inventions to the high-tech wonders of today, Arthur takes us on a mind-opening journey that will change the way we think about technology and how it structures our lives.

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