The Cosmic Blueprint - Softcover

P.C.W. Davies

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0044401825 ISBN 13: 9780044401827

Publisher: Unwin Paperbacks, 1989

Synopsis

Scientists have just begun to understand how complexity and organization can emerge from featurelessness and chaos. Is the way the universe is now in some sense predetermined? Is there, in other words, a "cosmic blueprint"? This book argues in favour of the idea of the creative universe, which recognizes the innovative character of physical processes, and suggests that the universe as a whole possesses a tendency to develop towards progressively higher levels of complex organization. Investigating some scientific discoveries, the author shows how the study of complexity reveals certain common holistic principles.

About this title

About the Author

Paul Davies is professor of natural philosophy in the Australian Centre for Astrobiology at Macquarie University. His research has spanned the fields of cosmology, gravitation, and quantum field theory, with particular emphasis on black holes and the origin of the universe. He is currently working on the problem of the origin of life and the search for life on Mars. He is a well-known author, broadcaster, and public lecturer and has written over twenty-five books. Among his better-known works are God and the New Physics, The Mind of God, About Time, The Fifth Miracle, and How to Build a Time Machine. In recognition of his work as an author, he was elected as fellow of The Royal Society of Literature in 1999.

His contributions to science have been recognized by numerous awards, including the 2002 Michael Faraday Prize by the Royal Society and the 2001 Kelvin Medal and Prize from the U.K. Institute of Physics. In April 1999 the asteroid 1992 OG was officially named (6870) Pauldavies in his honor. His most significant award was the 1995 Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion, the world’s largest prize for intellectual endeavor.

From Library Journal

Science expositor and physics professor Davies has written a fascinating book in which he examines the centuries-old conflict between holism and reductionism: What is the source of the universe's creative potency? He argues that the basic stuff of the universematter and energyis not simply inert, but has the ability to self-organize. Drawing on recent discoveries from biology, fundamental physics, cosmology, and brain research, Davies argues that the universe is developing an essential, unfolding pattern and order. While highly debatable, this is a provocative book that should be widely read. Strongly recommended for public libraries. Robert Paul, Dickinson Coll., Carlisle, Pa.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Unwin Paperbacks
• Publication date: 1989
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0044401825
• ISBN 13: 9780044401827
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 232