|
In this superb collection of essays, acclaimed
cosmologist and writer John D. Barrow explores the issues
that perplex and amaze us as we cast our gaze around the
Universe. Starting with a consideration of the (to some)
astonishing popularity of Big Science, and physics and cosmology
in particular, Professor Barrow moves on to the key questions
concerning the Laws of Nature and the Universe and the vexed
issue of life occurring on other planets, as well as the
key issues of time and space, and quantum reality. He looks
at the ancient foundations of science, mathematics, and
their most modern expression -- complexity theory. Finally,
he considers how science relates to religion and to aesthetics.
Each chapter consists of carefully selected
essays, some never previously published, and all written
in Professor Barrow's clear and engaging style. Each chapter
is introduced by a short piece, setting the essays in the
context of current focus in the area. Taken together, they
form a rich introduction to contemporary debate in science.
John D. Barrow is Professor of Astronomy
and Director of the Astronomy Centre at the University of
Sussex. His principal area of scientific research is cosmology,
and he is the author of several highly acclaimed books about
the nature and significance of modern developments in physics,
astronomy, and mathematics, including The Left Hand
of Creation, The Anthropic Cosmological Principle,
The World within the World, Theories of Everything,
Pi in the Sky, The Origin of the Universe,
The Artful Universe, and Impossibility.
|
