Freeman Dyson's latest book does not attempt to bring together
all of the celebrated physicist's thoughts on science and
technology into a unified theory. The emphasis is, instead, on the
myriad ways in which the universe presents itself to us--and how,
as observers and participants in its processes, we respond to it.
"Life, like a dome of many-colored glass," wrote Percy Bysshe
Shelley, "stains the white radiance of eternity." The author seeks
here to explore the variety that gives life its beauty.
Taken from Dyson's recent public lectures--delivered to
audiences with no specialized knowledge in hard sciences--the book
begins with a consideration of the practical and political
questions surrounding biotechnology. As he seeks how best to
explain the place of life in the universe, Dyson then moves from
the ethical to the purely scientific. The book concludes with an
attempt to understand the implications of biology for philosophy
and religion.
The pieces in this collection touch on numerous disciplines,
from astronomy and ecology to neurology and theology, speaking to
the lay reader as well as to the scientist. As always, Dyson's view
of human nature and behavior is balanced, and his predictions of a
world to come serve primarily as a means for thinking about the
world as it is today.
General
Imprint: |
University of Virginia Press
|
Country of origin: |
United States |
Release date: |
February 2010 |
First published: |
February 2010 |
Authors: |
Freeman J. Dyson
|
Dimensions: |
208 x 134 x 7mm (L x W x T) |
Format: |
Paperback
|
Pages: |
176 |
ISBN-13: |
978-0-8139-2973-6 |
Categories: |
Books >
Science & Mathematics >
Science: general issues >
General
|
LSN: |
0-8139-2973-3 |
Barcode: |
9780813929736 |
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