The Accidental Universe

by Paul C.W. Davies

In The Accidental Universe renowned expositor Paul Davies grapples with the most fundamental questions of all. What is our purpose and the purpose of the universe? Are both an accident of nature? Paul Davies guides us through the mysterious coincidences underlying the structure and properties of the universe we inhabit. He sets out the intriguing hypothesis that the appearance of the universe and its properties are highly contrived. Paul Davies gives a survey of the range of apparently miraculous accidents of nature that have enabled the universe to evolve its familiar structure of atoms, stars, galaxies and life itself. This remarkable book concludes with an investigation of the anthropic principle, which postulates that much of what we observe around us is a consequence of the presence of observers in the universe. This thesis of a cosmic biological selection effect is fiercely debated among scientists and is here set out clearly for a general readership.

Genres: Science, Physics, Nonfiction, Philosophy

160 pages, Hardcover

First published September 9, 1982

About the author

Paul Charles William Davies AM is a British-born physicist, writer and broadcaster, currently a professor at Arizona State University as well as the Director of BEYOND: Center for Fundamental Concepts in Science. He has held previous academic appointments at the University of Cambridge, University of London, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, University of Adelaide and Macquarie University. His research interests are in the fields of cosmology, quantum field theory, and astrobiology. He has proposed that a one-way trip to Mars could be a viable option.

In 2005, he took up the chair of the SETI: Post-Detection Science and Technology Taskgroup of the International Academy of Astronautics.

Reviews

[Sarah Marie Bancroft · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book. I will say if you don't know alot about mathematics or physics the first half of the book is not understandable. But that is on me and not the book! lol!