Chaotic dynamics has been hailed as the third great scientific
revolution in physics in this century, comparable to relativity and
quantum mechanics. In this book, Peter Smith takes a cool, critical look
at such claims. He cuts through the hype and rhetoric by explaining some
of the basic mathematical ideas in a clear and accessible way, and by
carefully discussing the methodological issues that arise. In
particular, he explores the new kinds of explanation of empirical
phenomena that modern dynamics can deliver. Explaining Chaos will be
compulsory reading for philosophers of science and for anyone who has
wondered about the conceptual foundations of chaos theory.