Information and the Nature of Reality: From Physics to Metaphysics

Paul Davies, Niels Henrik Gregersen

Cambridge University Press, Sep 23, 2010 - Science

Many scientists regard mass and energy as the primary currency of nature. In recent years, however, the concept of information has gained importance. Why? In this book, eminent scientists, philosophers and theologians chart various aspects of information, from quantum information to biological and digital information, in order to understand how nature works. Beginning with an historical treatment of the topic, the book also examines physical and biological approaches to information, and its philosophical, theological and ethical implications.

What people are saying

LibraryThing Review

User Review  - fpagan - LibraryThing

The symposium on which the book is based having been sponsored by the profoundly misguided Templeton Foundation, the last 5 chapters (~120 pages) and some other parts are garbage (theology), but I did ...

User Review -

I engaged with some authors especially Peacocke, and Holmes.
The book explained complexity and emergence and how these relate to understanding both ontology and teleology.
I have a better understanding of Natural Theology also.
I have bought this book and will reread and reference it.

Contents

• 1 Introduction does information matter?: 1
• Part I History: 11
• Part II Physics: 63
• Part III Biology: 121
• 11 Care on Earth generating informed concern: 205
• Part IV Philosophy and Theology: 247
• Index: 365

About the author

Paul Davies is Director of the Beyond Center for Fundamental Concepts in Science and Co-Director of the Cosmology Initiative, both at Arizona State University. He is a passionate science communicator, and has won several awards for his work, including the 2002 Michael Faraday Prize from the Royal Society for promoting science to the public.

Niels Henrik Gregersen is Professor of Systematic Theology and Co-Director of the Centre of Naturalism and Christian Semantics, both at the University of Copenhagen. He has won several international research awards, including one from the John Templeton Foundation for work on the constructive interface between science and religion.

Bibliographic information

• Title: Information and the Nature of Reality: From Physics to Metaphysics
• Editors: Paul Davies, Niels Henrik Gregersen
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2010
• ISBN: 1139490966, 9781139490962
• Subjects: Computers / Computer Science; Religion / Theology; Science / Chemistry / General; Science / History; Science / Life Sciences / Biology; Science / Philosophy & Social Aspects; Science / Physics / General