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.

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 »

V. Gontis and A. Kononovicius talked about Physics of Risk (our research) on national TV.

In 1973 two British scientists proposed an elementary model of spatial conflict between two distinct species [1]. The results of this model were heavily dependent on the dimensionality of the topology on which modeling occurred, which was rather interesting phenomenon at that time. In contemporary science this model is rather popular, thought now it is known as the voter model. This text discusses the simplest version of the model.

Recently one of the most prestigious schools of economics, London School of Economics, held an interesting debate between economists who prefer historical retrospective and economists who prefer mathematical modeling. Interestingly enough both sides of the debate agreed that neoclassical economic theory doesn't work well. But the answer why and its implications differ. Below you should see a YouTube video with the recording of the debate. We invite you to listen.