Development
Mechanisms of Change

Prominent intellectuals and public figures explore the dynamics of development, offering varying perspectives from a range of fields.

Torsten Krude (Edited by), Sara T. Baker (Edited by)

9781108447379, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 13 December 2018

176 pages, 16 b/w illus. 47 colour illus.
24.6 x 17.4 x 0.9 cm, 0.4 kg

This volume collects essays from prominent intellectuals and public figures based on talks given at the 2015 Darwin College Lectures on the theme of 'development'. The writers are world-renowned experts in such diverse fields as architecture, astronomy, biology, climate science, economy, psychology, sports and technology. Development includes contributions from developmental biologist and Nobel laureate John B. Gurdon, Olympic gold medallist Katherine Grainger, astronomer and cosmologist Richard Ellis, developmental psychologist Bruce Hood, former Met Office Chief Scientist Julia Slingo, architect Michael Pawlyn, development economist Ha-Joon Chang and serial entrepreneur Hermann Hauser. While their perspectives and interpretations of development vary widely, their essays are linked by a common desire to describe and understand how things change, usually in the direction of ever-increasing complexity. Written with the lay reader in mind, this interdisciplinary book is a must-read for anybody interested in the mechanisms underlying the changes we see in the world around us.

Introduction Torsten Krude and Sara T. Baker
1. Animal development and reprogramming John B. Gurdon
2. Development of an athlete Katherine Grainger
3. The development of galaxies Richard Ellis
4. Developing a sense of self Bruce Hood
5. Development of climate science Julia Slingo
6. Biomimicry – development of sustainable design Michael Pawlyn
7. Economic development Ha-Joon Chang
8. Technology development Hermann Hauser.

Subject Areas: Developmental biology [PSC], Cosmology & the universe [PGK], Popular science [PDZ], Human growth & development [MFKH], Development economics & emerging economies [KCM], Child & developmental psychology [JMC], Development studies [GTF]