Product Description

What is the true nature of space and time? These concepts are at the heart of science, but 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. 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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #13384 in Books
• Published on: 2008-09-18
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 320 pages

Review
'In this book, experts offer some distinctive perspectives. [It] will interest physicists and philosophers. But it will also be 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'

Review
'… 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

'… an attractive little book, featuring some highly original thinkers. The chapters by Penrose and Connes are especially good and easily worth the price of the book alone.' Mathematical Reviews

From the Publisher
A fascinating discussion on all aspects of space and time articulated by the most distinguished scientists of today. Andrew Taylor explains the evidence for dark matter and dark energy as the greatest challenge facing astronomy and cosmology. Shahn Majid argues that space and time should be quantum as part of a philosophical foundation for quantum gravity. Roger Penrose explains his theory of cosmology whereby we may be able to see remnants of a previous Universe before the `Big Bang' and that information in ours may continue on to a subsequent one. Alain Connes argues that matter is geometry as a fine structure to spacetime and that this explains the `zoo' of particles found in accelerators. Michael Heller explores the philosophical and theological implications of our latest ideas about space and time. John Polkinghorne argues for a theory of how time unfolds and the nature of time in theology.

Customer Reviews

The nature of time and space, explained
The nature of space and time is not a problem that puzzles
physicists, mathematicians and philosophers only. For historians,
time and space are two of the three most important categories we need
to consider in our analyses. This volume helps put the debate on time
and space into a wider context, making a cross disciplinary
discussion about the elements that are at the very heart of modern
science available to non experts whilst, at the same time, offering
cutting-edge research on the enigma of time and space. This book was
an eye-opener for me as I had no idea that so much on this topic was
still such a mystery even to physicists. There are chapters on dark
matter and energy, on quantum symmetry, on Penrose's pre- Big Bang
theory, on particle physics, and on philosophical and theological
implications of space and time. It is a book of different levels and
in my case the technical aspects were always going to be challenging,
but its nice to know that the arguments are there for readers who
want to work through them. The chapters covering philosophy and
theology would be a good place to start. This volume is a must-read
for those wishing to understand when did "time" begin, and where is
that thing which some call "space"? And it also looks really good on
my coffee table right next to The Brief History of Time and my
battered copy of The End of History.

Modern Theories on Space and Time
This is an extremely interesting, up-to-date account of various approaches to understanding space and time, by some of the leading thinkers in the field. The first chapter is a description from the point of view of cosmology and astronomy, including a history of the subject since Einstein. The next three chapters are written by foremost mathematicians whose research has also spanned physics. They outline their varying ideas as to how space, time and quantum theory can be married to understand what has been observed. The second chapter explains the approach of Shahn Majid, which focusses on the foundational and conceptual aspects of the subject. In chapter four, Connes explains his viewpoint incorporating his ideas regarding the origin of particles and forces in physics. Chapter 3 expands on Roger Penrose's theories regarding quantum theory and cosmology. The final two chapters are more philosophical in nature and include theological motivations. The book has something for everyone interested in this field. Whilst some of the chapters hint at technicalities, this does not detract from what is a semi-popular account, and an excellent account of the different aspects of some of the most fundamental questions that we can ask.