Quantum Evolution"In this debut, Johnjoe McFadden puts forward a novel theory of quantum evolution. He shows how quantum mechanics gives living organisms the ability to initiate specific actions, including new mutations. Indeed, such an ability may be life's most fundamental attribute. This simple but staggering theory has radical implications. Debunking the recent propositions of evolutionary theorists, McFadden argues that evolution may not be random at all. Rather, it may be directed - that is, in certain circumstances, cells may be able to choose to mutate particular genes that provide an advantage in their environment. This property of living organisms to direct their actions undoubtedly lies at the core of the much-disputed issues of consciousness and free will. Quantum Evolution provides a new understanding of the origin of life and the meaning of death."--BOOK JACKET. |
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QUANTUM EVOLUTION: The New Science of Life
User Review - KirkusA scientist argues persuasively that both life and consciousness are quantum phenomena.McFadden (Biology/Univ. of Surrey) has set himself daunting tasks—to account both for the genesis of life and ... Read full review
LibraryThing Review
User Review - P_S_Patrick - LibraryThingI picked this book up after becoming fascinated with the quantum world, as painted by Roger Penrose in his 2 terrific books on its relevance to consciousness. This book does briefly cover ... Read full review
Contents
What Is Life? | 1 |
The Limits of Life | 17 |
Lifes Biggest Action | 49 |
How Did We Get Here? | 67 |
Lifes Actions | 103 |
What Makes Bodies Move? | 121 |
What is Quantum Mechanics? | 139 |
Measurement and Reality | 163 |
What Does It All Mean? | 189 |
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Common terms and phrases
ability able action activity allowing amino acid animals appears atoms bacteria bases become billions body brain carbon cause Chapter charged chemical classical complex conscious considered decoherence described device direction discovered Earth effect electrical electrons em-field emergence energy entire environment enzyme evolution exist experiment field firing force fundamental gene glucose hundred hydrogen increase initiate inside interference interpretation involved kind light living cells look matter mind molecules momentum motion move movement mutations myosin natural neuronal objects once organisms origin particles particularly pass pattern peptide perform perhaps photon physical plants polarization position possible principle probability problem proposed protein quantum measurement quantum mechanics quantum superposition reactions reality remain replication rock selection self-replicator sequence signal single slit space structures superposition surface temperature theory uncertainty universe wave wave function
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Bibliographic information
| Title | Quantum Evolution Norton Paperback |
| Author | Johnjoe McFadden |
| Edition | reprint |
| Publisher | W. W. Norton & Company, 2002 |
| ISBN | 0393323102, 9780393323108 |
| Length | 338 pages |
| Subjects | › › Science / Life Sciences / Evolution Science / Physics / General Science / Physics / Quantum Theory |
| Export Citation | BiBTeX EndNote RefMan |