DNews: How Do We Decide What’s Fair?

When do people start to understand concept of "fairness"? When do they start to act accordingly? Game theory and related sociological research show that kids show signs of understanding "fairness" at the same time as they learn to count. Take that humanitarian sciences! ;)

For more information see the following DNews video.

Dynamical correlated spin model

Previously we already wrote about a work of our colleague, Julius Ruseckas, in which he proposed an elementary model, which reproduces q-Gaussian distribution. Recently we introduced temporal dynamics into that static model [1]. In this text we briefly discuss the dynamical version of the model.

Let us remind you that the correlated spin model describes possible configurations of the spin chain. In this spin chain neighboring spins are usually coaligned, meaning that nearby spins point in the same direction, though there are fixed number of cases \( d-1 \) (in this text \( d \) has slightly different meaning) where spins are antialigned.

Spin glass model

Previously on Physics of Risk we have already discussed the Ising model, which is one of the most fundamental models in statistical physics. We are especially interested in Ising model as it is frequently applied to model social systems. One of such examples is the Bornholdt model of the financial markets.

This time we will consider a modification of Ising model, which describes disordered magnet (a so-called spin glass). In this text we will briefly cover the essential feature of spin glasses as well as provide interactive HTML5 applet of the spin glasses.

ncase.me: Parable of the polygons

Continuing from the recent text on Schelling model we would like to recommend reading text by Vi Hart and Nicky Case called "Parable of the polygons". It is written in rather playful manner, though it also manages to touch sensitive social and political topics. The text also contains couple of neatly looking interactive demonstrations.

Read the "Parable of the polygons" »

See other interesting interactive tools authored by Nicky Case »