A Model of the Universe: Space-Time, Probability, and Decision (Clarendon Library of Logic and Philosophy) - Hardcover

McCall, Storrs

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0198240538 ISBN 13: 9780198240532

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1994

Synopsis

Storrs McCall presents an original philosophical theory of the nature of the universe based on a striking new model of its space-time structure and argues that the fact that the model throws light on such a large number of problems constitutes strong evidence that the universe is as the model portrays it. An ambitious, controversial, and ingenious idea for a completely new metaphysical foundation for philosophy and physics, this book discusses a broad range of topics within the framework of the new theory, and will be of special interest to physicists for its original new interpretation of quantum mechanics.

About this title

About the Author

Storrs McCall is Associate Professor of Philosophy at McGill University, Montreal.

Review

`This wide-ranging book is McCall's most complete elaboration and defense of his long-held branching model of the universe, according to which the past and present of the universe at any time consists of a single space-time manifold (represented as the trunk of a tree) while the future at that
time consists of a multiplicity of space-time manifolds (represented as the tree's branches) ... McCall's defense of his thesis is elegantly and concisely written, clear in its organization and development, and impressive in its scope'
William Lane Craig, International Philosophical Quarterly

`McCall's candour and integrity as an arguer are not less impressive and engaging than his ingenuity and tenacity. His book abounds with fresh theories and perspectives ... McCall's novel treatment of free choice .. is scholarly and inventive.'
Times Literary Supplement

'presents the most coherent and fully worked-out account of the universe that takes seriously indeterminism and the dynamic nature of time ... McCall's branching-tree model is the best altnerative version yet to be produced, and will occasion mcuh discussion and dispute in metaphysics and the
philosophy of logic ... his discussion of quantum mechanics is well-informed and illuminating ... McCall has managed to put forward in a clear, well-argued and accessible form a vision of the world which accords with quantum mechanics and does justice to many of our deepest intuitions, and within
that setting has acounted for many other fundamental concepts - cause, identity and choice, among others - in a stimulating and illuminating way. It is a must for every philosophical library, and any philosopher who is serious about metaphysics or interested in contemporary topics in philosophical
logic.'
R. J.R. Lucas, International Studies in the Philosophy of Science, 8:3

`His handling of the problems is invariably illuminating and exciting ... Of the many topics with which McCall deals, the most interesting is that of human decision. He delineates with exceptional clarity the way in which a free decision has to occupy a niche lying between rigid determinism
on one hand and blind chance on the other ... McCall's arguments ... open our eyes to the very real cosmic role for humanity.'
The Scientific and Medical Network

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 0198240538
• ISBN 13: 9780198240532
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 338