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Roger Penrose's original and provocative
ideas about the large-scale physics of the Universe, the
small-scale world of quantum physics and the physics of
the mind have been the subject of controversy and discussion.
These ideas were set forth in his best-selling books The
Emperor's New Mind and Shadows of the Mind. In this book,
he summarizes and brings up to date his current thinking
in these complex areas. He presents a masterful summary
of those areas of physics in which he feels there are major
unsolved problems. Through this, he introduces radically
new concepts which he believes will be fruitful in understanding
the workings of the brain and the nature of the human mind.
These ideas are then challenged by three distinguished experts
from different backgrounds -- Abner Shimony and Nancy Cartwright
as philosophers of science and Stephen Hawking as a theoretical
physicist and cosmologist. Finally, Roger Penrose responds
to their thought-provoking criticisms.
This volume provides an accessible, illuminating
and stimulating introduction to Roger Penrose's vision of
theoretical physics for the 21st century. His enthusiasm,
insight and good humour shine through this brilliant account
of the problems of modern physics.
Roger Penrose is Rouse Ball Professor
of Mathematics at the Mathematical Institute, University
of Oxford. He is a world leader in many areas of mathematics
and mathematical and theoretical physics, being particularly
well known for his work on black holes, quantum gravity,
aperiodic tiling and, more recently, the science of the
mind. In addition to a large list of technical publications,
he has published advanced research monographs on Techniques
of Differential Topology in Relativity and Spinors
and Space-Time, as well as two influential popular books
The Emperor's New Mind and Shadows of the Mind.
He was knighted in 1994.
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