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The Privileged Planet: How Our Place in the Cosmos Is Designed for Discovery
A convincing case that the rare, finely tuned conditions that allow for intelligent life on Earth are no coincidence, and that Earth was practically designed for discovery.
Hardcover, 464 pages
Published
February 1st 2004
by Regnery Publishing
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I have used parts of this book for writing and research in my work in intelligent design. I can finally say that, yes, I've read the book in because my most recent research for a program and paper on cosmology involved delving into the last half of the book.
If you are studying cosmology, I recommend this book as part of your studies. Gonzales is an astronomer and Richards is an author and scholar (he's also an excellent speaker). I've had the privilege of meeting Richards on a few occasions and...more
If you are studying cosmology, I recommend this book as part of your studies. Gonzales is an astronomer and Richards is an author and scholar (he's also an excellent speaker). I've had the privilege of meeting Richards on a few occasions and...more
The book is a unique American product where scientists and theologists work together to write extensive technical material to confuse and impress people misdirecting them in science. One author is a scientist and the other is a theologist. It is a bizarre output that is, in literary terms, may be described as a very well-written book. But as far as the content goes it is a shame that somebody would be expected to spend so much time reading this heavy book to be convinced about a place for intell...more
This was a fascinating read and I think would be good for anyone interested in learning more about our world (planet, solar system, galaxy, universe). I'd never really considered the factors involved with a planet to exist that can support life, and is around long enough for advanced life to develop, why it matters that we have a moon (and what size it is), or where in the galaxy our sun is. I knew about the role of some of the details of the properties of universe in general (such as the streng...more
I haven't read the book yet, but I watched the DVD that comes with it. It is unbelievable, can't find words to praise this. I recommend the DVD and the book to all my friends and all the other people. You will find out how our planet is situated exactly in place which is optimal for human living and for exploring other planets in the Universe.
Dorina
Dorina
When you consider all the minute details of astronomy, geology, climatology, chemistry, biology, astrophysics and a thousand other sciences that HAVE TO be in alignment in order for us to exist you will soon recognize that it takes more blind faith to be an atheist than a theist. There is no close competition for second place. An amazing book!
This is a fascinating compilation of all the aspects in which earth is special and distinct. The authors never explicitly state their case as Christians, but it's clear that they are weighing in on the side of special creation rather than blind chance for our existence.
Author Jay Richards is head of the ID movement and Discovery Institute of Seattle. They go into great detail explaining just how our planet is fine tuned for carbon-based life form to exist. To much detail in 300 or so pages..I couldn't stick with it.
Contains lots of scientific evidence but I was lost on the significance of the chief point they were trying to make that Earth is so suited for observation. I think the weighting is in the wrong place.
Great reference book on intelligent design, the DVD is great for people that not be interested in reading on this topic. Thanks to Guillermo Gonzalez and Jay Richards for the best book on intelligent design.
Apr 19, 2007
Jessica
marked it as to-read
This is a fascinating book about science, and the cosmos. It also shows that one can believe in intelligent design, and the truth of science. In the Qur'an, God tells us to reflect upon his creation, whether through geology, astronomy, hydrology, embryology etc. Science is a means of knowing God better.
I thought it was a good book. But once the author discusses life forms he assumes that all life forms are like us and most (but not all) life forms found on this planet. Carbon based, Aerobic, need the sun (and moon). Which I am not convinced that is the only forms of life possible.
Very dense, and, of course, very scientific. If you're into that kind of thing, it is a very interesting arguement for intelligent design.
May 24, 2010
Keith
added it
This book will blow your mind with the depth of apologetic debate into which they go into. I actually taught a class on apologetics that leaned on this text for information and ideas...very deep, but actually not that hard to grasp if you allow yourself to think about what is being said. They do a good job of "dumbing down" the information from the truly egg-headed of society, to a place we can all understand at least a little bit. Great reference book for you Christian library.
May 01, 2013
Brandon Erickson
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Associate Professor of Astronomy
Iowa State University
More about Guillermo Gonzalez...
Iowa State University
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“There's no obvious reason to assume that the very same rare properties that allow for our existence would also provide the best overall setting to make discoveries about the world around us. We don't think this is merely coincidental. It cries out for another explanation, an explanation that... points to purpose and intelligent design in the cosmos.”
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