The Probability of God: A Simple Calculation That Proves the Ultimate Truth - Hardcover

Unwin, Stephen D.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0761526846 ISBN 13: 9780761526841

Publisher: Crown Forum, 2003

Synopsis

Does God exist?

This is probably the most debated question in the history of mankind. Scholars, scientists, and philosophers have spent their lifetimes trying to prove or disprove the existence of God, only to have their theories crucified by other scholars, scientists, and philosophers. Where the debate breaks down is in the ambiguities and colloquialisms of language. But, by using a universal, unambiguous language—namely, mathematics—can this question finally be answered definitively? That’s what Dr. Stephen Unwin attempts to do in this riveting, accessible, and witty book, The Probability of God.

At its core, this groundbreaking book reveals how a math equation developed more than 200 years ago by noted European philosopher Thomas Bayes can be used to calculate the probability that God exists. The equation itself is much more complicated than a simple coin toss (heads, He’s up there running the show; tails, He’s not). Yet Dr. Unwin writes with a clarity that makes his mathematical proof easy for even the nonmathematician to understand and a verve that makes his book a delight to read. Leading you carefully through each step in his argument, he demonstrates in the end that God does indeed exist.

Whether you’re a devout believer and agree with Dr. Unwin’s proof or are unsure about all things divine, you will find this provocative book enlightening and engaging.

About this title

About the Author

STEPHEN D. UNWIN, Ph.D., received his doctorate in theoretical physics from the University of Manchester for his research in the field of quantum gravity. Dr. Unwin has written for New Scientist, among other influential scientific journals. Formerly the technical attaché to the United States Department of Energy for the British government, he is president of his own consulting firm, specializing in risk management for various Fortune 100 clients. He lives in Columbus, Ohio.

From the Back Cover

"Unwin's book, which is peppered with wry, self-deprecating humor that makes the scientific discussions more accessible, may prove spiritually inspiring."—Chicago Sun Times

"A pleasantly breezy account of some complicated matters well worth learning about."–Philadelphia Inquirer

"Stephen Unwin has pulled off the seemingly impossible—a profound and instructive discussion of God delivered in an entertaining, witty and no-nonsense style. His quirky prose conceals a wealth of information about science, religion and the grounds for rational belief. He bypasses the indulgent obscurantism so characteristic of contemporary theological writing and goes straight to the heart of the matter: Is belief in God a reasonable deduction given the evidence? That Unwin can achieve this with minimal mathematics is a testimony to his incisive mind and impressive writing skills."
—Paul Davies, Templeton Prize winner and author of The Mind of God and The Cosmic Blueprint

"This book is very bad news for anyone planning a career in Evil. Engaging, witty, concise and clear, Dr. Unwin's book achieves two impossible things: it makes Theology and Probability Theory accessible to humans."
—Rob Grant, co-creator of the "Red Dwarf" television series and author of Backwards

Edition details

• Publisher: Crown Forum
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0761526846
• ISBN 13: 9780761526841
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 272