Quantum Models of Cognition and Decision


Product Description
Much of our understanding of human thinking is based on probabilistic models. This innovative book by Jerome R. Busemeyer and Peter D. Bruza argues that, actually, the underlying mathematical structures from quantum theory provide a much better account of human thinking than traditional models. They introduce the foundations for modelling probabilistic-dynamic systems using two aspects of quantum theory. The first, 'contextuality', is a way to understand interference effects found with inferences and decisions under conditions of uncertainty. The second, 'quantum entanglement', allows cognitive phenomena to be modelled in non-reductionist ways. Employing these principles drawn from quantum theory allows us to view human cognition and decision in a totally new light. Introducing the basic principles in an easy-to-follow way, this book does not assume a physics background or a quantum brain and comes complete with a tutorial and fully worked-out applications in important areas of cognition and decision.Quantum Models of Cognition and Decision Review
I found myself swept away by this sparkling, original book.I received the book last month but did not have time to read it until this holiday break. It's so captivating that it has kept me up late these nights. Quantum theory itself definitely is exciting and I have enjoyed quite a few books on quantum theory. However, this book is exceptional and unique in several ways.
First, it's beautifully innovative and inspiring.
On the one hand, most social and behavioral scientists and students, including myself, have learned classical probability theory somehow in our training. All our textbooks assume classical probability--and when we are busy with building theories and analyzing data, we even often forget that all our thinking and research are always founded on certain assumptions! Naturally, we took it for granted--even without noticing it--that the classical theory is the only perspective that we use to understand, theorize, and test our theories of our world and our behavior. This book challenges this tradition. As an earlier reviewer pointed out, the book convincingly explains why quantum theory is useful--and likely, a better tool--for understanding our cognition and decision.
On the other hand, many students who are studying in the quantum theory courses in the physics or engineering departments seem to only care about solving problems and busy calculations. However, this book makes those mathematical rules full of life. I cannot agree more with Professor Steven Sloman (Brown University) who reviewed the book and said on the book jacket: "Mathematical models of cognition so often seem like mere formal exercises. Quantum theory is an exception. Without sacrificing formal rigor, it captures deep insights about the workings of the mind with elegant simplicity. This book promises to revolutionize the way we think about thinking."
The book is written by two of the most important leaders in the growing new research area of quantum cognition, which applies quantum mathematical rules to understand human mind and behavior using empirical research. So, it's not surprising that:
Second, it's admirably comprehensive, rigorous, and clear.
Another earlier reviewer has already commented on this. The book is an outstanding introduction to and review of all the rapidly growing quantum cognition research. Both authors are well respected in the field. Both have organized many workshops on the topic and produced some highly cited publications on this topic. The book is rigorous and lucid.
Third, it is surprisingly intuitive, conversational, and accessible.
Although I've already read another exceptional cognitive modeling book by Busemeyer--Cognitive Modeling(and used it to teach my graduate students), I am still very impressed by the authors' capability to write a serious, rigorous quantum and cognitive modeling book in such an accessible way. Quantum theory, as one of the most important scientific theory, has completely changed our life today--it's said that about one third to half of our current world economy is directly based on this theory. Although presented everywhere in our everyday life, the theory itself is often mystified--sometimes by the popular media and even physicists. Indeed, some of the quantum theory books that I have read really confused and discouraged me. In contrast, the book by Busemeyer and Bruza presents the hard and deep content with intuitive examples. At the end of the reading, you probably would say: "Wow, in fact, it seems really intuitive and natural to try to think about and understand our behavior and cognition using quantum theory. How could it be otherwise? How could it be?"
The book is very accessible. The book is smartly structured in the way that readers with various academic backgrounds and levels can enjoy it. It does not assume that readers have any background in physics. Many of the chapters, sections, and appendixes are completely self-contained. In addition, the authors, from time to time, remind the readers to read related chapter/section/appendix if the needed background is missing--or provide a "short cut" if the content is already familiar. It's neat to see a book structured in such a nonlinear and interactive way. (Personally I still read the book mostly following its chapter order, which worked just perfect for me. It was like sitting next to the author and having a long, intellectually stimulating conversation with hands-on exercises.)
Highly recommended if you are interested in quantum theory and applications, or if you are interested in understanding our mind and behavior. If you are already an expert in quantum theory, you will definitely find some new insights! If you are a new comer, take the leap and enjoy the amazing journey...
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