God and the New Physics (Penguin Science) [Paperback]

 

 

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Paul Davies, a professor of theoretical physics, has written extensively both for the scientific and the popular audiences on topics of current interest in physics and cosmology. In particular, he concentrates on issues to do with quantum theories, relativity and beginning/end of the universe issues.

In his book 'God and the New Physics', Davies continues a new tradition in which physicists particularly and scientists more generally write about their fields in philosophical, nearly theological terms discussing first causes, ultimate meanings, and the place of God and humanity in the overall scheme of the universe. Our understanding of the universe has changed dramatically in the last century, having been a fairly stable image for the past several hundred years. This has understandably made the philosophic and anthropomorphic considerations of the universe change dramatically as well.

'Science and religion represent two great systems of human thought. For the majority of people on our planet, religion is the predominant influence over the conduct of their affairs. When science impinges on their lives, it does so not at the intellectual level, but practically, through technology.'

Davies explores first the idea of genesis of the universe, exploring the intricacies of the big bang theory. This is a theory that has difficulties philosophically, that a purely scientific approach does not have an answer to, not least of which because it isn't asking the same question. Essentially, according to the big bang theory, the universe began as a singularity, essentially an infinitely small point from which all space and time (and all that is in it) emerged in an explosion-like phenomenon. Davies explores problems associated with conventional thinking around this unconventional theory -- what is the first event? what is the first event after the big bang? what is the purpose? what is the cause?

It is a bizarre twist of quantum theories that causes and effects are not neatly, logically arranged along timelines which we have become accustomed to. Thus, can the universe be considered to be self-causing?

'The fact that modern cosmology has provided hard physical evidence for the creation is a matter of great satisfaction to religious thinkers. However, it is not enough that a creation simply occurred. The Bible tells us that God created the universe. Can science throw any light at all on what caused the big bang?'

Alas -- even with exotic causality strains and quantum mechanisms which may remove the need for a first cause (as Davies tends to argue, using modern science essentially to refute already largely-refuted cosmological arguments for the existence of God), it does not adequately explain why there is a universe at all, that would have as part of its nature not needing a first-cause.

In the course of his discussion of the ideas of theoretical physics and traditional religious views, Davies explores the mind/matter connexion, the nature and direction of time, the scientific and philosophic issues around free will and determinism, and the idea of what nature truly is (and isn't).

Near the end of the book, Davies recaps the argument thus far:

'In spite of the spectacular success of modern science, it would be foolish to suppose that the fundamental questions concerning the existence of God, the purpose of the universe, or the role of mankind in the natural and supernatural scheme has been answered by these advances. Indeed, scientists themselves have a wide range of religious beliefs.'

There are no easy answers here. This book is not intended to settle anything, but rather to help clarify the issues in the debate, particularly in an era where there is as much misconception over what modern science really means as there is over what religious interpretations really mean. This is not a book for the intellectually timid. There is a presumption of scientific literacy in all of Davies' work; one needn't be a rocket scientist (or theoretical physicist), but those intimidated at basic algebra will most likely not benefit from this volume.

'I am sometimes asked whether the insight which physicists have gained into the inner workings of nature through the study of fundamental processes throws any light on the nature of God's plan for the universe, or reveals the struggle between good and evil. It does not. There is nothing good or evil about the way quarks are united into protons and neutrons, or the absorption and emission of quanta, the bending of spacetime by matter, the abstract symmetries that unite the fundamental particles, and so on.'

That having been said, many of the philosophical and theological questions remain unanswered, but now have a new element to be considered. Davies' work helps to reframe questions.

A good introduction to the more thought provoking aspects of modern science.I read this book,along with others,to brush up on the general theories in science of the origins of the universe,life, and our place in it,and was quite suprised by the author`s lucid style and ability to explain complex theories in a simple manner.The book gives an overview of the current understanding of how our universe began and of how it may eventually end,and looks at our place within this.The author examines the nature of life,and how this can give rise to the mental world of consciousness.The big questions are all here;Is there a God?How could there be a God?Why is there a universe,how was it brought about and how did it become so organised in the way that it is?Why these laws of nature?Is consciousness a biological product or do we have a soul?What is the nature of time?Is all of this an accident or a design?And finally a view of nature as a physicist sees it is presented.

I really came away from this book with a much clearer understanding of the way in which our material,and for that matter non material world is built up.I understand much more about modern quantum theory,the nature of time,how it all began and how it will all end,and our place in this seemingly alien and fundamentally strange universe.I can now see the direction in which modern physics is progressing and why.

An excellent introduction to the direction in which physics is heading.I have now ordered all of Mr Davies`books and look forward to delving a lot deeper.

This book is all about considering how at the forefront of human science there is still room for God. Davies deals with some of the really big concepts that have come out of modern Physics and how those concepts match up with theology and religion and especially how the scientific approach could make room for the existence of God.

Initially published in 1990, so if you are looking for something from the current forefront of scientific thinking, then some developments, especially in particle physics won't be covered here.

Davies looks at Genesis, Creation and the Big Bang. We consider that cause does not necessarily precede effect and that the Big Bang does not necessitate an external influence. We try and grasp the concept of how God could exist outside of space and time that is our own physical universe. We touch on some really hard to grasp concepts such as a primordial force acting just billionths of a second after the big bang, timewarps and singularities. We look at order and disorder and the teleological argument for the existence of God, matter and antimatter, particles and quantum physics. He then examines Life itself and the concept of mind. So you can see that as a reader you cover a lot of ground here and not all of it is easy going.

Some of the physics presented here is hard to grasp. Not because Davies uses complex mathematics but because the concepts are a bit tricky to understand. I am not sure if the lack was in the explanation or in my understanding. There is the problem of translating a precise mathematical theory into the imprecise language that we all read and speak. In the majority Davies does a splendid job of explaining some complex science in terms that a layman can understand and appreciate. The balance is lost when we get to the section on quantum theory and particle physics and it does feel a bit like reading a physics text book. (I wasn't very good at reading physics text books even when I did my physics A level). However, it is worthwhile to persevere and see where Davies is going when describing the apparent chaotic and unpredictable events that occur at the quantum level.

There is a lot here about entropy and the Third law of thermodynamics which is regarded as fundamental to human understanding of the cosmos. So if you are not interested in such things then this probably won't be the book for you.

There are also lots of interesting theories here, including the seemingly bizarre, that go against all common sense. For example, I find the theory of parallel universes as explained here to be totally unconvincing. Every movement of a particle causes the creation of parallel universe!

There is also some consideration as to how humans might develop in the unthinkably far future and how what intelligent life might be able to do in future would undoubtedly be given a supernatural explanation now. This leads to discussion how God might act within the laws of nature and might be a natural rather than supernatural being.

There are lots of questions and ideas here and much that is thought provoking. I was encouraged to look at more books in this field to do with arguments for and against the existence of a supreme God or Prime Mover as Aristotle would say. Although I have taken on board a lot of interesting stuff about entropy, thermodynamics, singularities and the concept of time I would not want a book that delved any deeper into the physics. With the exception of the particle physics sections the balance of science to theology was about right

There is little here to be inspired about, however. Is the universe and everything in it just an incredibly improbable accident? Some of the later sections, especially considering the death of the universe (the big crunch and other scenarios) lead you inevitably to the question `what is the point of it all?' and become quite depressing. The more you know the more depressed you get, it's a bit like Marvin the Paranoid Android from Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Can we infer the existence of God from science?
God and the New Physics by Paul Davies, Dent 1983, Penguin 1990, 272 ff.

Can we infer the existence of God from science?
by Howard A. Read more

Published on 6 Jan 2010 by Dr. H. A. Jones

4.0 out of 5 stars Heavy going but interesting
This is a fascinating book, providing you can get to grips with theories concerning the creation of the universe. Read more

Published on 10 May 2009 by Foxboy

5.0 out of 5 stars courageous effort
Paul Davis handles a very difficult subject very well indeed.He is honest in his approach & personal views which is refreshing. Read more

Published on 8 May 2009 by A. I. Faraj

4.0 out of 5 stars This book is great.
It would be a mistake to buy this book under the misconception that it is a science book; although it is a book about science, most technical details are merely skimmed over, as... Read more

Published on 13 May 1999

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