Three big bangs : matter-energy, life, mind
Author(s)
Bibliographic Information
Three big bangs : matter-energy, life, mind
Columbia University Press, c2010
- : cloth
Available at 2 libraries
Note
Includes bibliographical references (p. [125]-136) and index
Description and Table of Contents
Description
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.
Table of Contents
List of Illustrations Preface 1. The Primordial Big Bang: Matter-Energy 2. Life: Earth's Big Bang 3. Mind: The Human Big Bang References Index
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