Description
Book Synopsis 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 of 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
