Quantum Concepts in the Social, Ecological and Biological Sciences

Quantum mechanics is traditionally associated with microscopic systems; however, quantum concepts have also been successfully applied to a diverse range of macroscopic systems both within and outside of physics. This book describes how complex systems from a variety of fields can be modelled using quantum mechanical principles; from biology and ecology, to sociology and decision-making. The mathematical basis of these models is covered in detail, furnishing a self-contained and consistent approach. This book provides unique insight into the dynamics of these macroscopic systems and opens new interdisciplinary research frontiers. It will be an essential resource for students and researchers in applied mathematics or theoretical physics who are interested in applying quantum mechanics to dynamical systems in the social, biological or ecological sciences.

Preface; 1. Introduction; Part I. The General Framework: 2. Some preliminaries; Part II. Applications: 3. Politics; 4. Desertification; 5. Escape strategies; 6. Closed ecosystems; 7. More on biological systems; 8. Quantum game of life and its (H; ρ)-induced dynamics; 9. Prehistoric data miming; 10. A simple model of information in stock markets; 11. Decision Making driven by the environment; 12. Compatible and incompatible questions; 13. This is not the end; References; Index.

Fabio Bagarello is Professor of Mathematical Physics and Mathematical Methods at the Università degli Studi, Palermo, Italy. His research interests include the application of quantum mechanics to macroscopic systems, and the application of functional analysis and operator theory to quantum mechanics. He is the author of numerous scientific papers on these topics in addition to four books and several edited volumes.