Mar 2, 2020
Mechanical engineering professor
Dr. Adrian Bejan explains how his new book takes on the hierarchy
system of natural movement.
He explains the gist of this theory by discussing
In this podcast Dr. Adrian Bejan, distinguished professor at Duke
University and author of more than thirty books, discusses the
ideas that propel his new book,
Freedom and Evolution: Hierarchy in
Nature, Society and Science.
He explains connections between different disciplines to give a
fuller picture of his idea. For example, he discusses the impact of
society on science such that in technology, we talk in terms of
evolution toward greater economy, easier life, and greater health.
He asserts that these improvements and directions are due to
changes that are possible because these moving parts have the
freedom to change.
He provides one example central
to the approach in his new book: he tells listeners to think of
evolution as a universal phenomenon and evokes an aerial view of
the Mississippi river basin. He discusses the constant readjustment
of the small tributaries due to force and movement. Essential
however and evocative of the impact of society on science is the
hierarchical nature of these relationships.
Ultimately what you see, he says, is the cohabiting of the few
large with the many small: the big channel is not exploiting the
many small, but rather the hierarchy works together in stasis or
harmony.
For more information, find his new book , Freedom and Evolution: Hierarchy in Nature, Society and Science for sale through most booksellers including Amazon and see his page on the Duke web site: https://mems.duke.edu/faculty/adrian-bejan