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Contents
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Biography
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About this book
Brings together fundamental scientific, philosophical, and religious issues in cosmology, raising thought provoking questions about the nature of the universe. '...Harrison has done a marvellous piece of historical research, and the book is filled with gems...He speaks in the language of science about mankind's age-old need to find meaning and order in a seemingly senseless Universe.' James Trefil, New York Times
Contents
Preface; Introducing the masks; Part I. Worlds in the Making: 1. The magic Universe; 2. The mythic Universe; 3. The geometric Universe; 4. The medieval Universe; 5. The infinite Universe; 6. The mechanistic Universe. Part II. The Heart Divine: 7. Dance of the atoms and waves; 8. Fabric of space and time; 9. Nearer to the heart's desire; 10. The cosmic tide; 11. Do dreams ever come true?; Part III. The Cloud of Unknowing: 12. The witch universe; 13. The spear of Archytas; 14. All that is made; 15. The cloud of unknowing; 16. Learned ignorance.
Customer Reviews
Biography
Edward Harrison is Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Massachusetts, and adjunct Professor of Astronomy at the Steward Observatory, University of Arizona.
By: Edward Harrison
300 pages, 18 Figs
From reviews of the first edition: 'In an age where philosophers and social scientists are trying to outdo one another in imitating physicists, it's refreshing and perhaps fitting that a physicist should remind them that there are important subjects that can't be approached in this way ! Harrison has done a marvellous piece of historical research, and the book is filled with gems ! He speaks in the language of science about mankind's age-old need to find meaning and order in a seemingly senseless Universe.' James Trefil, New York Times '! a fascinating blend of historical narrative, science popularisation, and philosophical argument.' Robert Romer, American Journal of Physics '! it exposes roots of our perennial search for meaning to our lives, to our world pictures, to our social universes, to the unknown Universe ! It is a book to be read and reread.' Harold Cassidy, American Scientist '! well produced, informative ! reasonably priced and will appeal to anyone of a philosophical turn of mind !'. Astronomy Now