Product Description

This book begins with a discussion of the meaning of order and examples of orderly patterns generated by chance. (Play enough poker hands, Stenger writes, and one day you will be dealt four aces.) Subsequent chapters introduce readers to the unique perspective of the universe provided by physics, with historical and philosophical material intertwined with a systematic but non-technical presentation of basic physics. This leads to a description of the basic structure of the universe and the way in which symmetries of space, time, and inner dimensions account for the "laws" obeyed by particles. The origin of the universe is then described as a chance event, with space, time, matter, and the laws of nature the result of a spontaneous process of symmetry-breaking. Focusing on the question of planned versus unplanned origin, Stenger shows that the issue is not philosophical but scientific and that order can and does happen every day - by chance.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #779292 in Books
• Published on: 1988-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 203 pages

Customer Reviews

Fantastic!
This book makes a compelling case for the idea that the universe didn't come about through the handywork of some magical space pixie. The naysayers will throw about their arguments from incredulity while kicking & screaming but, in the end, even they (if anything like a rational mind still inhabits their bodies) will be forced to admit that this concept deserves serious consideration. Once, it was considered common sense that the sun moved around the Earth. "Look up at the sky and see it for yourself!", they would exclaim. But the thinking mind will take the known facts and discard the hypothesises that don't have compelling evidence to support them in favor of the ones that do. Thus far, only a superstitious mind would put the intelligent design idea into the latter category.

Great book
Explains clearly and sensibly the way the universe was not by design and without guidance.

Garbage
Total garbage, not even worthy of being a door stop. Completely meaningless and a waste of money. As a evolutionist, I am so completely disappointed in this book I almost feel embarrassed. I'd suggest some class, like an old copy of the Blind Watermaker than something so foolish as this.

Garbage