Archimedes' Bathtub by David Perkins
A brain-teasing, brain-pleasing look at the often-hidden mechanisms of innovation. From Archimedes' discovery of the principle of water displacement while taking a bath to Einstein's Theory of Relativity, from Brunelleschi's development of perspective drawing to the Impressionist revolution, from the taming of fire to the creation of the laser, "breakthrough thinking"--that is, a sudden, seemingly unaccountable moment of inspiration--has shaped and advanced civilization. But Nature invents, too--through evolutionary watersheds like vertebrate mammals and formerly grounded creatures making the leap to flight. How, then, does breakthrough thinking really work? What, if anything, does human invention have in common with biological evolution? In this sly tour de force of deep analysis and practical exercises, David Perkins explores the common logic behind breakthroughs across many fields, historical periods, and evolutionary epochs. Drawing on a rich knowledge of artificial intelligence and cognitive psychology, Perkins offers a uniquely integrative theory of how breakthroughs occur, along with dozens of delightful mind puzzles and illustrations that will have you quizzing whoever happens to be nearest.
David Perkins co-directs the think tank "Project Zero" at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and has authored books on mind, intelligence, creativity, and learning.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780393047950 |
| ISBN 10 | 0393047954 |
| Title | Archimedes' Bathtub |
| Author | David Perkins |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | WW Norton & Co |
| Year published | 2001-02-08 |
| Number of pages | 320 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |