• Physics confirms that the enemy of your enemy is, indeed, your friend

  • May 7 2024
  • Length: 2 mins
  • Podcast

Physics confirms that the enemy of your enemy is, indeed, your friend

Listen for free

View show details

  • Summary

  • Researchers at Northwestern University have utilized statistical physics to validate the social balance theory, which was first introduced by Austrian psychologist Fritz Heider in the 1940s. The theory, encapsulated by the axiom "the enemy of my enemy is my friend," suggests that people naturally strive for harmony within their social circles. The study, published in Science Advances, advances previous models by incorporating two crucial factors: the realistic limits of social connections and individual variations in friendliness. This enhanced model aligns with Heider’s theory and provides a new framework for exploring complex social, political, and neural networks, potentially informing strategies to mitigate political polarization and improve social cohesion.
    Show More Show Less
Social Sciences Science
Show More Show Less
activate_samplebutton_t1

What listeners say about Physics confirms that the enemy of your enemy is, indeed, your friend

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.co.uk reviews

Amazon reviews
No Reviews are Available