SCIENCES

Cosmological Koans: A Journey to the Heart of Physical Reality

by Anthony Aguirre
Norton. May 2019. 384p. illus. notes. index. ISBN 9780393609219. $27.95; ebk. ISBN 9780393609226. SCI
COPY ISBN
Aguirre's (physics, Univ. of California-Santa Cruz; cofounder, Foundational Questions Inst.) first book uses Zen-like storytelling as a framing device to explain all areas of physics. Each chapter begins with a journey, making this somewhat reminiscent of Jon Butterworth's Atom Land, which uses the journey metaphor, but in a map-oriented style, to explain physics. Aguirre focuses on the importance (and limitations) of human perception in understanding the physical world, and aims to show how we all can contribute to a shared knowledge. His conversational style makes the complex issues he discusses easier to grasp; however, this is still fairly rigorous for a popular science book. He adds interest by bringing in ideas about the physical world posited by philosophers from ancient Greece to the modern day.
VERDICT This intriguing, though dense, account should be of interest to readers interested in a deeper comprehension of the physics of the world in which we live.
Reviewed by Sara R. Tompson, Lawrence, KS , May 01, 2019
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

NONFICTION

Putin and the Return of History: How the Kremlin Rekindled the Cold War
by Sixsmith, Martin
NONFICTION

Belonging Without Othering: How We Save Ourselves and the World
by Powell, John A. & Stephen Menendian
NONFICTION

Trippy: The Peril and Promise of Medicinal Psychedelics
by Londoño, Ernesto
NONFICTION

1217: The Battles That Saved England
by Hanley, Catherine
NONFICTION

The War That Made America: Essays Inspired by the Scholarship of Gary W. Gallagher
NONFICTION

A Deeper South: The Beauty, Mystery, and Sorrow of the Southern Road
by Candler, Pete
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?