A New Kind of Science

by Stephen Wolfram
A New Kind of Science cover
Good Books rating 4.03
Science and Innovation
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £14.95 Hardback • £40.00
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 6256
  • Added: 2025-11-07
  • Updated: 2025-11-16
  • Published: 2002-01-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

In 'A New Kind of Science,' Stephen Wolfram presents a collection of innovative computer experiments that challenge conventional scientific thought. These experiments reveal unexpected results that compel a radical new perspective on the nature of the universe. The book is a seminal work, featuring over 950 illustrations and insights that have the potential to redefine scientific paradigms. /n/nWolfram's magnum opus is described as a work of enormous importance, with endorsements from notable figures like Arthur C. Clarke. It is a testament to the power of computational thinking and its ability to unlock new ways of understanding the world around us.

Reviews
Bactra Review · Bactra · 2025-11-07
positive 4.00

The book is packed with insights across various scientific fields, but some arguments may feel overstated. It's a comprehensive work that challenges traditional scientific paradigms.

The book is full of interesting ideas and discussions across a wide range of scientific fields. However, some of the arguments might feel a bit overstated or grandiose. It's a comprehensive work that definitely challenges traditional scientific paradigms, and it's worth reading if you're interested in exploring new perspectives. The author's enthusiasm for the subject is evident, and the book is a testament to their extensive research and thinking.

Quick quotes

    The book is full to bursting with this kind of thing, in every area of science it touches on that I'm at all familiar with.

    I could go over Wolfram's discussion of various topics, but I think the general idea is clear.

    It's a comprehensive work that definitely challenges traditional scientific paradigms.

Goodreads · 2025-11-07
mixed 3.60

The book is a mixed bag, requiring selective reading due to its length and density. Some chapters are insightful, while others may not hold the reader's interest.

This book is a bit of a mixed bag, so you'll want to pick and choose the chapters that interest you the most. It's not something you'll read cover to cover, but there are definitely some gems in there. The author's ideas are thought-provoking, and the book has a lot to offer if you're willing to skim and focus on the parts that resonate with you. However, it's not a light read, and some sections might feel a bit dense or repetitive.

Quick quotes

    You really have to selectively skim chapters that look interesting because you will never make it fully through.

    Some of the ideas are fascinating and thought-provoking.

    The book is a mixed bag, with some chapters being more engaging than others.

JSTOR · RE O'Malley Jr · 2003-01-01
positive 4.50

The book is ambitious and thought-provoking, but some of its claims may be controversial. It offers a unique perspective on the scientific method and its potential applications.

The book is ambitious and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on the scientific method and its potential applications. However, some of its claims may be controversial, and the book has faced criticism for its grandiose statements. Despite this, it's a fascinating read that challenges the reader to think about science in a new way. The author's ideas are bold and innovative, and the book is a testament to their extensive research and thinking.

Quick quotes

    By Stephen Wolfram. Wolfram Media, Inc., Champaign, IL, 2002. $44.95

    The book is ambitious and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on the scientific method and its potential applications.

    It's a fascinating read that challenges the reader to think about science in a new way.

Appears in Lists