A Many-colored Glass
Reflections on the Place of Life in the Universe
Format:Paperback
Publisher:University of Virginia Press
Published:3rd Feb '10
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
A Many-Colored Glass 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. Taken from Freeman 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.
"Dyson's compilation of lectures makes for engrossing and provocative reading for both scientists and nonscientists alike." - Nature Biotechnology "The science is beautifully presented, with clarity and obvious passion. Dyson's remarkable mind creates all sorts of unexpected connections. Many readers will greatly rejoice in this book's wisdom." - Marcelo Gleiser, Dartmouth College, author of The Prophet and the Astronomer: Apocalyptic Science and the End of the World "In a consistently graceful and poetic style, and always with a deeply original voice, Dyson adroitly weaves together a variety of subjects on the general theme of life in the Universe. An inspiring and mind-expanding view of biotechnology in the future, with a thoughtful discussion of the human condition." - Trinh Xuan Thuan, University of Virginia, coauthor of The Quantum and the Lotus: A Journey to the Frontiers Where Science and Buddhism Meet "Though he did the majority of his work in the 20th century, theoretical physicist and self-proclaimed scientific heretic Freeman Dyson may well be remembered as one of the greatest thinkers of the 21st. His talks and writings are reliably filled with far-seeing speculations on the nature of things to come, and this latest book - a collection of essays on biotechnology, the cosmic destiny of life, and the intersection of biology and religion - is no exception." - SEED Magazine"
ISBN: 9780813929736
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
176 pages