The Anthropic Cosmological Principle

The Anthropic Cosmological Principle PDF

Author: John D. Barrow

Publisher: Oxford University Press on Demand

Published: 1988

Total Pages: 706

ISBN-13: 9780192821478

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Explores the concepts and many implications of the theory that the structure and operation of the universe is determined by the existence of intelligent observers

Anthropic Bias

Anthropic Bias PDF

Author: Nick Bostrom

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2013-10-11

Total Pages: 240

ISBN-13: 113671099X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Anthropic Bias explores how to reason when you suspect that your evidence is biased by "observation selection effects"--that is, evidence that has been filtered by the precondition that there be some suitably positioned observer to "have" the evidence. This conundrum--sometimes alluded to as "the anthropic principle," "self-locating belief," or "indexical information"--turns out to be a surprisingly perplexing and intellectually stimulating challenge, one abounding with important implications for many areas in science and philosophy. There are the philosophical thought experiments and paradoxes: the Doomsday Argument; Sleeping Beauty; the Presumptuous Philosopher; Adam & Eve; the Absent-Minded Driver; the Shooting Room. And there are the applications in contemporary science: cosmology ("How many universes are there?", "Why does the universe appear fine-tuned for life?"); evolutionary theory ("How improbable was the evolution of intelligent life on our planet?"); the problem of time's arrow ("Can it be given a thermodynamic explanation?"); quantum physics ("How can the many-worlds theory be tested?"); game-theory problems with imperfect recall ("How to model them?"); even traffic analysis ("Why is the 'next lane' faster?"). Anthropic Bias argues that the same principles are at work across all these domains. And it offers a synthesis: a mathematically explicit theory of observation selection effects that attempts to meet scientific needs while steering clear of philosophical paradox.

The Anthropic Principle

The Anthropic Principle PDF

Author: F. Bertola

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 1993-07-30

Total Pages: 196

ISBN-13: 9780521382038

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Long awaited proceedings of an important conference on the anthropic prininciple.

A Fortunate Universe

A Fortunate Universe PDF

Author: Geraint F. Lewis

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2016-10-06

Total Pages: 395

ISBN-13: 1316715221

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Over the last forty years, scientists have uncovered evidence that if the Universe had been forged with even slightly different properties, life as we know it - and life as we can imagine it - would be impossible. Join us on a journey through how we understand the Universe, from its most basic particles and forces, to planets, stars and galaxies, and back through cosmic history to the birth of the cosmos. Conflicting notions about our place in the Universe are defined, defended and critiqued from scientific, philosophical and religious viewpoints. The authors' engaging and witty style addresses what fine-tuning might mean for the future of physics and the search for the ultimate laws of nature. Tackling difficult questions and providing thought-provoking answers, this volumes challenges us to consider our place in the cosmos, regardless of our initial convictions.

The Anthropic Cosmological Principle

The Anthropic Cosmological Principle PDF

Author: John D. Barrow

Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA

Published: 1986

Total Pages: 728

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Investigates the history of philosophic thought concerning the question of design and mankind's place in the universe. The modern collection of ideas known as the "anthropic cosmological principle" asserts that there is a deep connection between intelligent life and the physical universe.

String Theory For Dummies

String Theory For Dummies PDF

Author: Andrew Zimmerman Jones

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2009-11-16

Total Pages: 387

ISBN-13: 047046724X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

A clear, plain-English guide to this complex scientific theory String theory is the hottest topic in physics right now, with books on the subject (pro and con) flying out of the stores. String Theory For Dummies offers an accessible introduction to this highly mathematical "theory of everything," which posits ten or more dimensions in an attempt to explain the basic nature of matter and energy. Written for both students and people interested in science, this guide explains concepts, discusses the string theory's hypotheses and predictions, and presents the math in an approachable manner. It features in-depth examples and an easy-to-understand style so that readers can understand this controversial, cutting-edge theory.

Application of New Cybernetics in Physics

Application of New Cybernetics in Physics PDF

Author: Oleg Kupervasser

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2017-06-28

Total Pages: 306

ISBN-13: 012813318X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Application of New Cybernetics in Physics describes the application of new cybernetics to physical problems and the resolution of basic physical paradoxes by considering external observer influence. This aids the reader in solving problems that were solved incorrectly or have not been solved. Three groups of problems of the new cybernetics are considered in the book: (a) Systems that can be calculated based on known physics of subsystems. This includes the external observer influence calculated from basic physical laws (ideal dynamics) and dynamics of a physical system influenced even by low noise. (b) Emergent systems. This includes external noise from the observer by using the black box model (complex dynamics), external noise from the observer by using the observer’s intuition (unpredictable dynamics), defining boundaries of application of scientific methods for system behavior prediction, and the role of the observer’s intuition for unpredictable systems. (c) Methods for solution of basic physical paradoxes by using methods of the new cybernetics: the entropy increase paradox, Schrödinger’s cat paradox (wave package reduction in quantum mechanics), the black holes information paradox, and the time wormholes grandfather paradox. All of the above paradoxes have the same resolution based on the principles of new cybernetics. Indeed, even a small interaction of an observer with an observed system results in their time arrows’ alignment (synchronization) and results in the paradox resolution and appearance of the universal time arrow. Provides solutions to the basic physical paradoxes and demonstrates their practical actuality for modern physics Describes a wide class of molecular physics and kinetic problems to present semi-analytical and semi-qualitative calculations of solvation, flame propagation, and high-molecular formation Demonstrates the effectiveness in application to complex molecular systems and other many-component objects Includes numerous illustrations to support the text

Universe Or Multiverse?

Universe Or Multiverse? PDF

Author: Bernard Carr

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2007-06-21

Total Pages: 544

ISBN-13: 9780521848411

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Physicists argue from different perspectives for and against the idea of the existence of multiple universes.

Creation of the Universe

Creation of the Universe PDF

Author: Lizhi Fang

Publisher: World Scientific

Published: 1989

Total Pages: 200

ISBN-13: 9789971506001

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

.".. is a worthwhile elementary treatment of the cosmology of the early Universe written with a liveliness and simplicity that will surely encourage students to pursue the subject further.'' John D Barrow Nature, 1989 .".. a superb guide to what is known about cosmology....The authors also leave you with a sense of anticipation and excitement.'' David Hughes New Scientist, 1989 "The book is well written and interesting, particularly in its use of Chinese stories throughout ... The book contains all the standard material found in such texts. The chapters on the thermodynamics of the Universe are particularly good ... this is a first-rate book of its genre and is heartily recommended." Kenneth Dunn Mathematical Reviews, 1993 "The best popular account of the science that explains how the universe can be friendly to life is a book, 'Creation of the Universe', by the Chinese astronomers, Fang Li Zhi and Li Shu Xian. The book was translated into English and published by World Scientific Publishing in 1989. Fang Li Zhi is the famous dissident astronomer now living in exile in the United States. I particularly recommend Chapter 6, with the title 'How Order Was Born of Chaos'. This tells the same story that I am telling you today, but with more detail and more depth." Freeman J Dyson Oppenheimer lecture at University of California, Berkeley Mar 2000