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Who are the cutting-edge thinkers of today?
Scientists, according to John Brockman, editor, author,
and founder of the intellectual forum, Edge
(www.edge.org). Brockman argues that scientists -- through
their research and writing -- are creating a "third
culture" in which the word "humanism" is
once more defined in terms of the 15th century idea of one
intellectual whole.
Combining this holistic awareness of the
humanities and science, these "new humanists"
are the ones shaping modern thought.
Many of the pieces in The New Humanists:
Science At the Edge are narratives created by Brockman
from his conversations with over 20 of the top intellectuals
of today including:
- Jared Diamond, the Pulitzer Prize-winning
author of Guns, Germs and Steel, on population
theory;
- Steven Pinker, author of the best-selling,
How the Mind Works, discussing human nature;
- Ray Kurzweil, author of the controversial
The Age of Spiritual Machines, exploring technology
and the human mind.
What emerges from this smart collection
is a dialogue that not only supports Brockman's theory,
but also introduces some of the best scientific minds of
the 21st century.
John Brockman is the author and editor
of some 20 books, including The Third Culture: Beyond
Scientific Revolution and Digerati: Encounters with
the Cyber Elite. He is the founder and president of Edge,
a Web site forum for leading scientists and thinkers.
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