Summary:

"Epinets: The Epistemic Structure and Dynamics of Social Networks" by Mihnea C. Moldoveanu and Joel A.C. Baum delves into how knowledge and beliefs are shaped and spread within social networks. The book combines insights from social science, psychology, and network theory to explain the dynamics of information flow and its impact on social structures.

Epinets presents a new way to think about social networks, which focuses on the knowledge that underlies our social interactions. Guiding readers through the web of beliefs that networked individuals have about each other and probing into what others think, this book illuminates the deeper character and influence of relationships among social network participants.

Drawing on artificial intelligence, the philosophy of language, and epistemic game theory, Moldoveanu and Baum formulate a lexicon and array of conceptual tools that enable readers to explain, predict, and shape the fabric and behavior of social networks. With an innovative and strategically-minded look at the assumptions that enable and clog our networks, this book lays the groundwork for a leap forward in our understanding of human relations.

Editorial Reviews:

"A pioneering work that bridges multiple disciplines to illuminate the complexities of social networks." - The Journal of Social Theory

"Moldoveanu and Baum offer a sophisticated analysis of how knowledge propagates through social connections." - Network Science Review

"Essential for anyone interested in the intersection of social networks and epistemology." - Contemporary Sociology

About the Author:

Mihnea C. Moldoveanu is a professor at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto, known for his research in integrative thinking and social networks. Joel A.C. Baum is a professor of strategic management at the same institution, focusing on organizational theory and social networks.