
On Space and Time
Shahn Majid(Editor)
Cambridge University Press
Published on 25. September 2008
Book
Hardback
320 pages
978-0-521-88926-1 (ISBN)
Article exhausted; check for reprint
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.
Reviews / Votes
'... 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 ReviewsMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
College/higher education
Illustrations
30 Halftones, unspecified; 15 Line drawings, unspecified
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 159 mm
Thickness: 23 mm
Weight
560 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-521-88926-1 (9780521889261)
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Shahn Majid
On Space and Time
Book
03/2012
Cambridge University Press
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Persons
Shahn Majid is Professor of Mathematics at Queen Mary, University of London. Trained as a theoretical physicist and mathematician at Cambridge and Harvard, he helped pioneer the theory of quantum symmetry in the 1980s and 1990s. He is author of two textbooks in the field and numerous research articles.
Editor
Queen Mary University of London
Contributions
Content
Preface; 1. The dark universe A. N. Taylor; 2. Quantum spacetime and physical reality S. Majid; 3. Causality, quantum theory and cosmology R. Penrose; 4. On the fine structure of spacetime A. Connes; 5. Where physics meets metaphysics M. Heller; 6. The nature of time J. C. Polkinghorne; Index.