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. |
What people are saying - Write a review
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 |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
action activity adaptive mutations amino acid animals atoms bacteria beta-galactosidase billions biological Bohr brain carbon cell's channels Chapter classical complex conscious Copenhagen interpretation Darwinian decoherence described detected detector direction discovered dynamics Earth electrical electrons em-field emergence encoded energy entangled entropy environment enzyme evolutionary exist force fundamental particles gene hydrogen inside living cells interaction interference pattern inverse quantum Zeno involved lactose left slit lens light measuring device membrane microbes molecular momentum motion move multiverse muscle myosin nanobacteria natural selection neuronal neuronal firing o'clock oxygen peptide perform phenomenon photon physicist plants polarization polaroid position possible primordial soup probability problem protein proto-cell quantum events quantum evolution quantum measurement quantum mechanics quantum multiverse quantum superposition quantum system quantum Zeno effect reality replication right slit rock scientists self-replicator sequence signal single photon structures surface temperature theory thermodynamics two-slit experiment uncertainty principle universe wave function zero
References to this book
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 |