Universe or Multiverse? - Softcover

Carr, Bernard

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521140692 ISBN 13: 9780521140690

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2010

Synopsis

Recent developments in cosmology and particle physics, such as the string landscape picture, have led to the remarkable realization that our universe - rather than being unique - could be just one of many universes. The multiverse proposal helps to explain the origin of the universe and some of its observational features. Since the physical constants can be different in other universes, the fine-tunings which appear necessary for the emergence of life may also be explained. Nevertheless, many physicists remain uncomfortable with the multiverse proposal, since it is highly speculative and perhaps untestable. In this volume, a number of active and eminent researchers in the field - mainly cosmologists and particle physicists but also some philosophers - address these issues and describe recent developments. The articles represent the full spectrum of views, providing for the first time an overview of the subject. They are written at different academic levels, engaging lay-readers and researchers alike.

About this title

Book Description:

Is our universe unique or just one of many? Eminent physicists explain how recent scientific developments lead to the 'multiverse' proposal. Suitable for professional physicists and scientifically-minded lay people, the articles reflect the full diversity of views on this highly speculative and untestable theory.

About the Author:

Bernard Carr is a Professor at Queen Mary, University of London. He received the Adams prize in 1984, one of the UK's most prestigious mathematical awards. He is a member of several professional societies, most notably the Royal Astronomical Society. He has worked in the UK, USA, Japan and Canada, and has published nearly 200 research papers and dozens of popular science articles. He regularly appears in the media.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0521140692
• ISBN 13: 9780521140690
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 536