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"Can we ever truly comprehend the universe before we fully understand consciousness and the wonders, and limits, of the mind? Ulf Danielsson, an acclaimed theoretical physicist who has dedicated his career to probing the deepest mysteries of nature, thinks not. As he dismantles the arguments of esteemed mathematicians and scientists, who would substitute their mathematical models for reality and equate the mind to a computer, he makes a lucid and passionate case that it is nature, full of beauty and meaning, which must compel us. In challenging established worldviews, he also takes a fresh look at major philosophical debates, including the notion of free will. Fearless, provocative, and witty, The World Itself is essential reading for anyone curious about the profound questions surrounding life, the universe, and everything"--
About the author
Ulf Danielsson is a prize-winning physicist with a PhD from Princeton University whose research concentrates on dark energy and string theory with a special focus on applications in cosmology. A member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and professor of theoretical physics at Uppsala University, he has delivered lectures throughout the world based on his award-winning popular science books, which have been translated into several languages. The World Itself: Consciousness and the Everything of Physics is his first book to appear in English.
Summary
There is a wonderfully weird but real world out there, and we are a part of it. It is time for physics to take life seriously.
Can we ever truly comprehend the universe before we fully understand consciousness and the wonders, and limits, of the mind? Ulf Danielsson, an acclaimed theoretical physicist who has dedicated his career to probing the deepest mysteries of nature, thinks not. As he dismantles the arguments of esteemed mathematicians and scientists, who would substitute their mathematical models for reality and equate the mind to a computer, he makes a lucid and passionate case that it is nature, full of beauty and meaning, which must compel us. In challenging established worldviews, he also takes a fresh look at major philosophical debates, including the notion of free will.
Fearless, provocative, and witty, The World Itself is essential reading for anyone curious about the profound questions surrounding life, the universe, and everything.
Foreword
Co-op availableSignificant bound galley mailing to media, booksellers, and librarians. Additional digital review copy distribution to media, booksellers, and librarians through EdelweissNational print, public radio, and online media campaignsAuthor statement available in press materialUS/Canada virtual tour TBASimultaneous eBook publication and promotionPostcards availableEarly outreach and giveaways through LibraryThingPromotion through BLP’s social media channels and website: www.blpress.orgIntroduction by Portuguese theoretical physicist Carlos FiolhaisEditor: Erika GoldmanAgent: Steven White of Nordin AgencyCover designer: Dowon JungMarketing and publicity efforts supported by Molly Mikolowski of A Literary Light
Additional text
“Ulf Danielsson is Sweden’s most important public writer on the implications of natural science. His lucid, powerful, passionate, and engaging work advances original arguments of great importance. The World Itself is destined to become a modern classic as it upends many of the received wisdoms about the scientific worldview.” —Martin Hägglund, author of This Life: Secular Faith and Spiritual Freedom
