Cosmic Blueprint, The
Details and Description
Description
In this critically acclaimed book, first published in 1988 and now reprinted in paperback, scientist and author Paul Davies explains how recent scientific advances are transforming our understanding of the emergence of complexity and organization in the universe.
Melding a variety of ideas and disciplines from biology, fundamental physics, computer science, mathematics, genetics, and neurology, Davies presents his provocative theory on the source of the universe's creative potency. He explores the new paradigm (replacing the centuries-old Newtonian view of the universe) that recognizes the collective and holistic properties of physical systems and the power of self-organization. He casts the laws in physics in the role of a "blueprint," embodying a grand cosmic scheme that progressively unfolds as the universe develops.
Challenging the viewpoint that the physical universe is a meaningless collection particles, he finds overwhelming evidence for an underlying purpose: "Science may explain all the processes whereby the universe evolves its own destiny, but that still leaves room for there to be a meaning behind existence."
Table of Contents
Preface to the 2004 Edition / ix
Preface to the First Edition / xv
Chapter 1 Blueprint for a Universe / 3
Chapter 2 The Missing Arrow / 9
Chapter 3 Complexity / 21
Chapter 4 Chaos / 35
Chapter 5 Charting the Irregular / 57
Chapter 6 Self-Organization / 72
Chapter 7 Life: Its Nature / 93
Chapter 8 Life: Its Origin and Evolution / 107
Chapter 9 The Unfolding Universe / 121
Chapter 10 The Source of Creation / 138
Chapter 11 Organizing Principles / 152
Chapter 12 The Quantum Factor / 165
Chapter 13 Mind and Brain / 183
Chapter 14 Is There a Blueprint? / 197
References / 205
Further Reading / 211
Index / 215
Endorsements and Reviews
Reviews
Catholic Books Review
This book is a boon to those of us who have avoided science in school, who don’t know the difference between particle physics and quantum physics and lately have regretted our youthful educational choices. I can understand the arguments in this book and so can any science-deprived humanist. That is not to say that the author is only a popularizer. Australian Professor Paul Davies has received many prizes, among them, the Michael Faraday Prize from the Royal Society and the 2001 Kelvin Medal and Prize from the UK Institute of Physics. In 1995 Davies received the Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion from the hand of Prince Philip in Buckingham Palace.
The value of the book, however, is not the theology that concludes the argument, but the argument itself that "the universe can be understood by the application of the scientific method." (p. 203) and that such a scientific explanation supports creation through the very complexities, even the chaos of evolution itself. How? Read the book!
Science and Theology News
Davies is an excellent writer and any reader will learn much from this book.
Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith
A Christian apologist ignores books such as this at the considerable risk of being excluded from the conversation. If you have not read it, get it. Study it. Think how to present the "Christian" perspective in a book study group. Must we argue for the Bergson alternative? Or are there other possibilities to explain our existence in this complex and wonderful world?
Library Journal
Science expositor and physics professor Davies has written a fascinating book in which he examines the centuries-old conflict between holism and reductionism: What is the source of the universe’s creative potency? He argues that the basic stuff of the universe matter and energy is not simply inert, but has the ability to self-organize. Drawing on recent discoveries from biology, fundamental physics, cosmology, and brain research, Davies argues that the universe is developing an essential, unfolding pattern and order. While highly debatable, this is a provocative book that should be widely read. Strongly recommended for public libraries.
Translations
Asian-English
Russian