My BOOKS

My BOOKS

Cambridge University Press (2008) 1-320pp
Click on the image above and view inside to access the Preface (highly recommended).
From cover flap: What is the true nature of space and time? These concepts are at the heart of science, and are often taken for granted even by practising scientists, but, as this volume explains, 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 and its wider context. 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.
On Space and Time
“... enlightening and fascinating to anyone with an enquiring mind who has ever wondered 'did time have a beginning?', 'is space infinite?', 'why are there three dimensions?' or 'does space have an atomic structure?” Martin Rees, Professor of Cosmology and Astrophysics, University of Cambridge, and author of 'Gravity's Fatal Attraction'
“… 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