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5563 results in History, Philosophy and Foundations of Physics

Page 48 of 279

A Fortunate Universe
  • Life in a Finely Tuned Cosmos
  • Geraint F. Lewis, Luke A. Barnes
  • Foreword by Brian Schmidt
  • Published online:
    13 October 2016
    Print publication:
    06 October 2016
  • Over the last forty years, scientists have uncovered evidence that if the Universe had been forged with even slightly different properties, life as we know it - and life as we can imagine it - would be impossible. Join us on a journey through how we understand the Universe, from its most basic particles and forces, to planets, stars and galaxies, and back through cosmic history to the birth of the cosmos. Conflicting notions about our place in the Universe are defined, defended and critiqued from scientific, philosophical and religious viewpoints. The authors' engaging and witty style addresses what fine-tuning might mean for the future of physics and the search for the ultimate laws of nature. Tackling difficult questions and providing thought-provoking answers, this volumes challenges us to consider our place in the cosmos, regardless of our initial convictions.

  • 3 - Can You Feel the Force?

  • Geraint F. Lewis, University of Sydney, Luke A. Barnes, University of Sydney
  • Foreword by Brian Schmidt, Australian National University, Canberra
  • Book:
    A Fortunate Universe
    Published online:
    13 October 2016
    Print publication:
    06 October 2016, pp 65-94

  • Summary

    In the preceding chapter, we looked at what a human being is made of. Here, we look at what animates us. In particular, we consider the fundamental forces of nature: the rules that tell our basic parts how to interact with each other, that cause motion and change. Once again, we’ll see what happens when we bend the rules.

  • 1 - A Conversation on Fine-Tuning

  • Geraint F. Lewis, University of Sydney, Luke A. Barnes, University of Sydney
  • Foreword by Brian Schmidt, Australian National University, Canberra
  • Book:
    A Fortunate Universe
    Published online:
    13 October 2016
    Print publication:
    06 October 2016, pp 1-32

  • Summary

    You don’t have to be a scientist to appreciate the beauty of the night sky, but there is much more to the Universe1 than its good looks. For scientists, the goal is to unveil the inner workings of nature, the rules and properties that dictate how the bits and pieces of the cosmos move and interact.

  • 6 - All Bets Are Off!

  • Geraint F. Lewis, University of Sydney, Luke A. Barnes, University of Sydney
  • Foreword by Brian Schmidt, Australian National University, Canberra
  • Book:
    A Fortunate Universe
    Published online:
    13 October 2016
    Print publication:
    06 October 2016, pp 182-236

  • Summary

    For all this talk of changing the laws of nature, until now we have stayed safely within the confines of familiar physical theories. We’ve messed with the ingredients in the laws: the stuff, the strengths of the forces, and the initial state of the Universe. But we’ve not touched the laws themselves. However, just like the constants of nature, we don’t know why the laws of nature are what they are. So let’s change everything … all bets are off!

  • 2 - I’m Only Human!

  • Geraint F. Lewis, University of Sydney, Luke A. Barnes, University of Sydney
  • Foreword by Brian Schmidt, Australian National University, Canberra
  • Book:
    A Fortunate Universe
    Published online:
    13 October 2016
    Print publication:
    06 October 2016, pp 33-64

  • Summary

    We begin with a seemingly simple question: what are you made of? As you look at your hands, you can see skin, nails and hair, but underneath there is a whole lot more: bones, organs, and fluids of various colours. These are made of still smaller things: molecules and atoms, which are made of electrons, protons and neutrons.

  • 5 - The Universe Is Expanding

  • Geraint F. Lewis, University of Sydney, Luke A. Barnes, University of Sydney
  • Foreword by Brian Schmidt, Australian National University, Canberra
  • Book:
    A Fortunate Universe
    Published online:
    13 October 2016
    Print publication:
    06 October 2016, pp 129-181

  • Summary

    It is now time to go large and connect life with the Universe in its entirety. We will see how, from simple beginnings, the Universe expands and cools, forming galaxies, stars and planets. We’ll see where our matter came from, consider dark matter and dark energy, and understand how cosmological theories reach back toward the very beginning.

Page 48 of 279