Books matching: philosophical and scientific ideas
18 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:'Stories of Your Life and Others' by Ted Chiang is a collection of thought-provoking and inventive science fiction short stories. The stories explore unique concepts and alternate realities, delving into deep philosophical and scientific ideas while also incorporating elements of spirituality and human emotions. The writing style is described as precise, analytical, and dispassionate, yet it manages to create engaging and relatable characters who navigate through the complex worlds crafted by the author. Chiang's stories are known for their originality, creativity, and the way they challenge readers to think beyond the conventional boundaries of the genre.
Were the tower to be laid down across the plain of Shinar, it would be two days’ journey to walk from one end to the other. While the tower stands, it takes a full month and a half to climb from its b... - #2
Save:'The Water Babies' by Charles Kingsley tells the story of a young chimney sweep named Tom who, after a series of misadventures, is transformed into a water baby and embarks on a fantastical underwater journey. The plot explores themes of redemption, morality, and social issues of the Victorian era. The writing style is described as highly moralistic, with elements of fantasy and fairy tale, mixed with social commentary and scientific theories of the time.
Once upon a time there was a little chimney-sweep, and his name was Tom. That is a short name, and you have heard it before, so you will not have much trouble in remembering it. He lived in a great to... - #3
Save:'Time' in the 'Manifold' series by Stephen Baxter follows the story of Reid Malenfant, a maverick entrepreneur determined to revolutionize space exploration despite the world facing imminent devastation. The narrative delves into the exploration and colonization of space, featuring a mix of hard science fiction concepts, futuristic technologies, and thought-provoking philosophical ideas. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists, including encounters with genetically enhanced squid, time travel, and the exploration of alternate realities, all set against a backdrop of ecological crisis and human ambition.
Space. Yes, she understood what that meant, that she was no longer in the wide oceans of Earth but in a small, self-contained ocean of her own that drifted through emptiness, a folded-over ocean she s... - #4
Save:Maxwell's Demon by Steven Hall is a mind-bending novel that delves into concepts of entropy, physics, philosophy, and theology. The story weaves together layers of mystery, surrealism, and intertextuality, challenging readers with wild ideas and a complex narrative structure. The writing style is described as intelligent yet playful, insightful yet oblique, and surreal yet grounded, keeping readers engaged and intrigued throughout the book.
'Giordano Bruno: Philosopher / Heretic' by Ingrid D. Rowland delves into the life of Giordano Bruno, a complex and fearless thinker of the 16th century. The book highlights Bruno's expertise in memorization techniques and his impact on renowned peers like Kepler and Galileo. It portrays Bruno as a brilliant and insightful figure who held unconventional theological beliefs, ultimately leading to his tragic demise at the hands of the Church.
The narrative style of the book seamlessly weaves together anecdotes from Bruno's life, his philosophical ideas, and his conflicts with the Church. Ingrid D. Rowland's writing is engaging and informative, providing a fresh perspective on Bruno's character and contributions to intellectual thought during his time.
If you will not accompany [the Nolan] with fifty or a hundred torches—which shall certainly not be lacking should he come to die in Roman Catholic territory—at least give him one; or, if even this see...'Relativity: The Special and the General Theory' by Albert Einstein is a book that attempts to explain one of the most important discoveries of the 20th century, the theory of relativity. The book delves into the paradoxes used by Einstein to explain his ideas, making them strikingly amazing and approachable for readers without a strong math or physics background. It provides a clear insight into the theory of relativity, aiming to introduce people to the special and general theories without overwhelming them with complex scientific jargon.
In your schooldays most of you who read this book made acquaintance with the noble building of Euclid’s geometry, and you remember—perhaps with more respect than love—the magnificent structure, on the...Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will by Robert M. Sapolsky explores the intricate relationship between humans and the concept of free will. The book delves into neuroscience to argue that our actions are determined by a complex interplay of genetics, environment, and past experiences, suggesting that free will may be an illusion. Sapolsky supports this idea by providing thought-provoking examples, like that of a college graduate and a janitor, to illustrate how individual outcomes are shaped by a myriad of factors outside of personal control.
Sapolsky's writing style is engaging, often laced with humor and personal anecdotes, even as he tackles heavy topics. He employs a conversational tone, making complex scientific ideas accessible to a broad audience. The book is structured to first outline the scientific evidence before addressing the implications for societal concepts like justice and morality. While some readers may find the dense scientific sections challenging, the overall narrative is compelling and aims to provoke reflection on human behavior and social systems.
- #8
Save:'Eye in the Sky' by Philip K. Dick explores the concept of multiverse through a group of visitors trapped in the subconscious wish fulfillment worlds of their unconscious companions after an accident at the Bevatron. The plot takes the readers through different distorted perspectives and realities of the characters, touching on political and social views while maintaining a humorous and entertaining narrative style.
The proton beam deflector of the Belmont Bevatron betrayed its inventors at four o'clock in the afternoon of October 2, 1959. What happened next happened instantly. No longer adequately deflected—and ... - #9
Save:"The Medusa and the Snail" by Lewis Thomas is a collection of essays that cover a wide range of topics including science, biology, medicine, linguistics, and even astronomy and cosmology. The author writes in an entertaining and informative manner, discussing various interesting subjects with a mix of literary and artistic appreciation. The essays are short, ranging from two to four pages, but are rigorous in their discussions, making valid and acute observations that are still relevant today, even though the book was written over 30 years ago.
- #10
Save:The story is set in the near future and blends ideas from physics with psychology. A college professor comes to realize a study he took part in during his undergraduate days has caused a hole in his memory. Part of the story focuses on his discovery of his memory hole and how it came to be. The plot delves into the protagonist's search for his missing memories, leading to shocking revelations about his past actions and the potential to change the course of humanity. The narrative explores philosophical conundrums and the interplay of physics and consciousness, raising questions about the nature of human brains and the implications on society.
Several of my colleagues in the University of Manitoba’s psychology department considered teaching to be a nuisance—“the ineluctable evil,” as Menno Warkentin used to call it, resenting the time it to...
