{"product_id":"is-nature-supernatural-simon-l-altmann-9781573929165","title":"Is Nature Supernatural?: A Philosophical Exploration of Science and Nature","description":"Mathematical truths are often so compelling that some mathematicians, scientists, and philosophers posit a purely nonmaterial realm of eternal truths accessible to the mind alone. Mathematical physicist Simon Altmann carefully criticizes this revival of dualistic philosophy la Plato in this highly stimulating book. Has mathematics and physics discovered a new supernatural world, or is this mental cosmos simply an outgrowth of natural evolutionary processes? This is the crucial philosophical issue that Altmann elucidates.\u003cbr\u003eAltmann provides a thorough philosophical basis to understand the meaning of natural law, the scientific method, and causality in science. He reviews the classical approach to time, space, and the laws of mechanics, and discusses the implications of relativity theory. Key modern concepts, like randomness, probability, and time's arrow are explained, and the nature of mathematics and Gdel's theorems is discussed in depth. A mystery-free treatment of quantum mechanics, Schrdinger's cat, and the famous Bell inequalities follows. He also assesses the reactions of various philosophical schools to these developments - idealism, physicalism, cultural relativism and social constructivism. The book concludes with a fascinating dialogue on science and belief. \u003cbr\u003eEducated lay readers will welcome Altmann's engaging and lucid exposition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Simon L. Altmann\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-10:\u003c\/b\u003e 1573929166\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-13:\u003c\/b\u003e 9781573929165\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Prometheus Books\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/b\u003e English\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 03\/01\/2002\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 680\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormat:\u003c\/b\u003e Hardcover\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 2.34lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 9.32h x 6.49w x 1.97d\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eReview Citation(s): \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eChoice\u003c\/i\u003e 09\/01\/2002 pg. 123","brand":"Simon L. Altmann","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":48485621465343,"sku":"9781573929165","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0662\/2982\/9887\/files\/img_5f58ce3d-1448-4c39-bee9-af0d7822382a.jpg?v=1778050442","url":"https:\/\/www.whiterainbookhouse.com\/products\/is-nature-supernatural-simon-l-altmann-9781573929165","provider":"WR Book House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}