Out of Print
Edited By: A Connes, M Heller, S Majid, R Penrose, John Polkinghorne and A Taylor
287 pages, 15 line figures, 30 halftones
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About this book
Contents
Biography
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About this book
What is the true nature of space and time? These concepts are at the heart of science, but they remain deeply wrapped in enigma. Their structure at both the smallest pre-subatomic and the largest cosmological levels continues to defy modern physics and may require revolutionary new ideas for which science is still grasping. This unique volume brings together world leaders in cosmology, particle physics, quantum gravity, mathematics, philosophy and theology, to provide fresh insights into the deep structure of space and time.
Andrew Taylor explains the evidence for dark matter and dark energy. Shahn Majid argues that space and time should be quantum. Roger Penrose explains what in his view comes before the 'Big Bang'. Alain Connes argues that matter is geometry as a fine structure to spacetime. Michael Heller explores the philosophical and theological implications of spacetime. John Polkinghorne argues for a theory of how time unfolds.
Contents
Preface; 1. The dark universe A. N. Taylor; 2. Quantum spacetime and physical reality S. Majid; 3. Causality, quantum theory and cosmology R. Penrose; 4. On the fine structure of spacetime A. Connes; 5. Where physics meets metaphysics M. Heller; 6. The nature of time J. C. Polkinghorne; Index.
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Biography
Shahn Majid is Professor of Mathematics at Queen Mary, University of London. Trained as a theoretical physicist and mathematician at Cambridge and Harvard, he helped pioneer the theory of quantum symmetry in the 1980s and 1990s. He is author of two textbooks in the field and numerous research articles.
Out of Print
Edited By: A Connes, M Heller, S Majid, R Penrose, John Polkinghorne and A Taylor
287 pages, 15 line figures, 30 halftones
'... a unique collection of essays. ... The non-specialist might struggle with some of the mathematic vocabulary but the philosophical content is thought provoking ... a worthwhile read.' Federation of Astronomical Societies Newsletter '... an attractive little book, featuring some highly original thinkers. The chapters by Penrose and Connes are especially good and easily worth the price of the book alone.' Mathematical Reviews