Doubt and Certainty: The Celebrated Academy Debates on Science, Mysticism Reality

by Tony Rothman and George Sudarshan

Book Overview

When scientists and philosophers construct models to explain the phenomena and laws of nature, do those models simulate what's really out there in the world, or do they only represent the languages we... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0738201693
• ISBN13: 9780738201696
• Release Date: October 1999
• Publisher: Basic Books
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Thoroughly enjoyable

I loved this book, I give it 5 stars. Yes, it is imperfect; however, that is one of the points of the book, science, and life, are imperfect. (I do consider the chapter on chirality flawed, falling into a reductionist perspective, trying to find a mechanism that will account for life's chiral preference; overlooking the possibility that this was just the roll of the dice - life could just as likely have happened with mirror image enantiomorphs). The book stands out in the humorous, ironic treatment of passionate debates. And it fosters acceptance of inescapable doubt. I do wish that Claude Shannon had been invited to the Academy, to add an information theory perspective. Unfortunately, Tony Rothman, responding to my query, said that a second edition was unlikely.

Brilliant and Thought Provoking.

This book is undoubtedly a landmark in the history of scientific literature. Written by two world class physicists steeped in Wetsern and Eastern thought and cultures, the book achieves a unique synthesis of brilliant and thought provoking ideas on an astonishing range of scientific questions.One marvels at how the authors offer penetrating analyses on some of the most difficult and fundamental scientific questions of our time, dispassionately presenting every point of view, and yet stopping short of imposing their own dogmas.Lucidly written and liberally illustrated with figures, this book will tantalize both the scientifc novice and the expert, presenting its vast possibilities on the one hand, while simultaneously exposing its limitations on the other.This is an extraordinary book and a "must read" for anyone interested in science and philosophy.

Fabulous!

I read a lot of science/math intended for lay readers but virtually never before have I had such amazing fun doing so - and with a frank and serious discussion of the most important issues of both, to boot. The authors are to be congratulated.

Contender for the Pulitzer Prize

This is an extraordinary book. First, it is NOT one more book of hype about some new "break through" in science that is going to "revolutionize" our concept of the universe. Looking at all those superficial "science" books, one cannot help but wonder if science itself has become the modern superstition. Rothman and Sudarshan's most insightful book saves science from becoming a superstition. It is fresh and it is thought provoking. Even the most difficult concepts of fundamental physics are taken apart, bit by bit, through a delightful Socratic dialogue, exposing the doubt and certainty in our knowledge. This is a book for those who cannot tolerate the dogma science has become in the popular mind. It is a clear contender for the Pulitzer Prize.

A warm and accessible analysis of knowability in physics

The best popular-science book I have ever read on the limits of knowledge in contemporary physics, cosmology and mathematics. It also explores the philosophical implications of these limits in a very warm and accessible fashion.Delightfully whimsical at times, Rothman and Sudarshan are never condescending to the reader. Their commitment to accuracy- there are no cartoon versions of modern physics here- AND accessibility to the non-specialist invites my gratitude.I hope all New-Agers will read Doubt and Certainty closely and with an open mind. Think of it as an update on Capra's Tao of Physics- greater clarity WITHOUT Capra's oversimplifications.