Figments of Reality
The Evolution of the Curious Mind
Ian Stewart author Jack Cohen author
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Cambridge University Press
Published:9th Sep '99
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
This paperback is available in another edition too:
- Hardback£80.00(9780521571555)
Popular science tour de force from bestselling authors, on evolution of intelligence, culture and mind.
Bestselling authors Ian Stewart and Jack Cohen return with an exhilarating and entertaining exploration of how mind, language and culture evolved. Providing a fresh outlook on these topical questions, they develop new and intriguing insights into the nature of evolution, science and humanity.Is the universe around us a figment of our imagination? Or are our minds figments of reality? In this refreshing new look at the evolution of mind and culture, bestselling authors Ian Stewart and Jack Cohen eloquently argue that our minds necessarily evolved inextricably within the context of culture and language. They go beyond conventional reductionist ideas to look at how the mind is the response of an evolving brain trying to grapple with a complex environment. Along the way they develop new and intriguing insights into the nature of evolution, science and humanity.
Review of the hardback: 'One of the most heartening and innovative books of the year.' John Cornwell, The Sunday Times '[A] provocative, ambitious and enjoyable attempt to ask and answer some of the most interesting Big Questions of modern science and philosophy.' New Scientist
'Stewart and Cohen assault … all the big questions with gleeful expedition. Figments questions our placidly received wisdom … is frighteningly readable.' Henry Gee, Nature
'Sparkling science.' Graham Cairns-Smith, author of Evolving the Mind
'The reviewer is certain that everyone will enjoy sharing this journey into the mind, and that they will learn much background science, too.' Irish Astronomical Journal
'The good thing about these two authors is that they are not interested in providing an easy read. They tend to challenge the reader's preconceptions. It is a bumpy ride but always stimulating.' Chris Boyce, The Herald (Glasgow)
'The good thing about these two authors is that they are not interested in providing an easy read. They tend to challenge the reader's preconceptions. It is a bumpy ride but always stimulating.' Chris Boyce, The Herald (Glasgow)
' … a stimulating and entertaining read.' Biologist
' … certainly an impressive and significant work. [The authors] have a refreshingly original approach to science. The book is written with a wry humour that carries the reader along. Academics usually write impenetrably; Steward and Cohen's delightful style enables them to explain complex issues in science to the non-specialist.' David V. Barrett, Fortean Times
'The reviewer is certain that everyone will enjoy sharing this journey into the mind, and that they will learn much background science, too.' Irish Astronomical Journal'
'A stimulating theory of how mind, consciousness, and culture have coevolved to create our species by two masters of informed, scientific speculation. Try it, and even if you don't like it you'll learn a lot. Who could ask for more?' John L. Casti
' … a stimulating and entertaining read.' Biologist
'I would recommend this book for anyone with an interest in events beyond our daily lives.' Rosalind Ramsey, International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
ISBN: 9780521663830
Dimensions: 229mm x 153mm x 24mm
Weight: 710g
340 pages