No Way: The Nature of the Impossible

DAVIS, Philip J. and David Park, edited by

ISBN 10: 0716718138 / ISBN 13: 9780716718130

Published by W.H. Freedman, New York, 1987

About this Item

First edition. Fine in fine dustwrapper. Inscribed to fellow author Nicholas Delbanco by "Thomas", believed to be one of the book's contributors Thomas E. Foster. A collection of essays on the philosophy of impossibilities.

Seller Inventory # 419157

Bibliographic Details

• Title: No Way: The Nature of the Impossible
• Publisher: W.H. Freedman, New York
• Publication Date: 1987
• ISBN 10: 0716718138
• ISBN 13: 9780716718130
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Fine
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)
• Seller catalogs:
  • Psychology

About this title

Synopsis

Essays explore the concept of the impossible in mountaineering, biology, medicine, chemistry, computer science, technology, physics, mathematics, law, politics, economics, education, music, and philosophy

Reviews

Impossibility is a concept of which one should be wary. With the discovery of carnivorous mushrooms (one species eats worms) and square bacteria, most biologists would hesitate to deny the possibility that any conceivable species could exist. Turning to mathematics, parallel lines can intersect in some geometrical systems; the seemingly impossible, time and again, is converted into a useful, logical system. This collection of essays opens with a mountain climber's attempt to scale the west ridge of Mt. Everest, "enormous symbol of the death of the impossible." In that adventurous spirit, the contributors explore the idea of impossibility in such fields as music, poetry, technology, government, child-rearing, law, philosophy and medicine. Combining literary elegance with startling insights, these essays lead the reader to exclaim, with Tertullian, "It is certain because it is impossible."
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.