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  3. Figments of Reality
  • Cited by 61
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Online publication date:
August 2009
Print publication year:
1997
Online ISBN:
9780511541384
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511541384
Subjects:
Life Sciences, Cognitive Psychology, Popular Science, General Science
Information

Book description

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.

Reviews

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.’

Source: New Scientist

‘Stewart and Cohen assault … all the big questions with gleeful expedition. Figments questions our placidly received wisdom … is frighteningly readable.’

Henry Gee Source: 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 Source: 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 Source: The Herald (Glasgow)

‘ … a stimulating and entertaining read.’

Source: 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.’

Source: 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.’

Source: 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.’

Source: Biologist

‘I would recommend this book for anyone with an interest in events beyond our daily lives.’

Rosalind Ramsey Source: International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry

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