Three Big Bangs

Erscheinungsjahr 2010
ISBN: 978-0-231-15639-4
Verlag: Columbia University Press

Buch, Englisch, 160 Seiten, Format (B × H): 148 mm x 215 mm, Gewicht: 324 g

By dividing the creation of matter, energy, life, and mind into three big bangs, Holmes Rolston III brings into focus a history of the universe that respects both scientific discovery and the potential presence of an underlying intelligence. Matter-energy appears, initially in simpler forms but with a remarkable capacity for generating heavier elements. The size and expansion rate of the universe, the nature of electromagnetism, gravity, and nuclear forces enable the the explosion of life on Earth. DNA discovers, stores, and transfers information generating billions of species. Cognitive capacities escalate, and with neural sentience this results in human genius.

A massive singularity, the human mind gives birth to language and culture, increasing the brain's complexity and promoting the spread of ideas. Ideas generate ideals, which lead life to take on spirit. The nature of matter-energy, genes, and their genesis therefore encourages humans to wonder where they are, who they are, and what they should do.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Rolston, Holmes

Rolston III, Holmes

Fachgebiete

• Naturwissenschaften Biowissenschaften Biowissenschaften Evolutionsbiologie
• Geisteswissenschaften Philosophie Wissenschaftstheorie, Wissenschaftsphilosophie

Inhaltsverzeichnis

List of IllustrationsPreface1. The Primordial Big Bang: Matter-Energy2. Life: Earth's Big Bang3. Mind: The Human Big BangReferencesIndex

Über Autor(innen)

Holmes Rolston III is University Distinguished Professor of Philosophy Emeritus at Colorado State University, a Gifford Lecturer, and recipient of the Templeton Prize in Religion. He has lectured on seven continents, and his books include Genes, Genesis, and God; Science and Religion: A Critical Survey; Philosophy Gone Wild; and Environmental Ethics.