Publisher's Synopsis
In this superb collection of essays, acclaimed cosmologist and writer John D. Barrow explores the issues that perplex and amaze us as we cast our gaze around the Universe. Starting with a consideration of the (to some) astonishing popularity of Big Science, and physics and cosmology in particular, Professor Barrow moves on to the key questions concerning the Laws of Nature and the Universe and the vexed issue of life occurring in other planets, as well as the key issues of time and space, and quantum reality. He looks at the ancient foundations of science, mathematics, and their most modern expression - complexity theory. Finally, he considers how science relates to religion and to aesthetics. Each chapter consists of carefully selected essays, many never previously published, and all written in Professor Barrow's clear and engaging style. Each chapter is introduced by a short piece, setting the essays in the context of current focus in the area. Taken together, they form a rich introduction to contemporary debate in science.
