The SQUEEZE: The application of mathematics or science to social phenomenon is a current practice that allows for the study of parallels with respect to behavior specific to both social systems and natural physical laws. In Critical Mass: How One Thing Leads to Another, Phillip Ball outlines the “physics of society,” focusing his studies on the application of physics to the bulk of social phenomenon within a modern context. Ball believes that natural physical laws inform much of the activities of social systems. Essentially, the laws of social systems have the same character as the laws of nature (physical), the hypothesis of which has spurred on a social, economic, and political dialogue between physical and biological scientists. At the end of the book, Ball is faced with reconciling two hurdles: the theory of existence (or being alive) and the concept of free will, both of which, he believes, contradicts viewpoints offered by the physicist.

Notable Endorsement: “Fascinating. . . impressively clear and breathtaking in scope. . . substantial, impeccably researched . . . persuasive. For anyone who would like to learn about the intellectual ferment at the surprising junction of physics and social science, Critical Mass is the place to start.” -- Stephen Strogatz, Nature

Common Q’s Answered by this Book:

• How can the laws of social systems and the physics of society be reconciled within the context of a modern society?
• What social phenomenon serves as a basis for discussing the impact and influence of scientific laws?
• What are the parallels between social systems and natural physical laws?

About the Author: Phillip Ball is an English science writer. Ball was an editor for Nature for more than ten years. Ball today writes a column for Chemistry World. Ball’s research interests range from business cycle, random walks, phase transitions, bifurcation theory to traffic flow, Zipf’s law, small world phenomenon, catastrophe theory, and the prisoner’s dilemma. Ball’s technique includes applying modern mathematical models to social and economic phenomena. The overall theme is one of applying modern mathematical models to social and economic phenomena. Recent titles of Ball’s work include: Bright Earth: The Invention of Colour (2001) and Stories of the Invisible: A Guided Tour of Molecules (2001). Ball completed undergraduate studies at Oxford University; and a doctorate from Bristol University.

Book Vitals:

• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (May 2006)

Accolades: Aventis Prize for Science Books (2005)