Category Archives: Essays & Commentary

The Cognitive Neuroscience of Mind: A Tribute to Michael S. Gazzaniga

These essays on a range of topics in the cognitive neurosciences report on the progress in the field over the twenty years of its existence and reflect the many groundbreaking scientific contributions and enduring influence of Michael Gazzaniga, “the godfather … Continue reading

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RELATIVITY: THE SPECIAL AND GENERAL THEORY

The theory of relativity, or simply relativity, generally refers specifically to two theories of Albert Einstein: special relativity and general relativity. However, the word “relativity” is sometimes used in reference to Galilean invariance. The term “theory of relativity” was coined … Continue reading

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Of Matter And Spirit

The essays selected for this book comprise ideas presented in oral or written form between 1972 and 2000, some of them originally in German or French. They are preceded by a biographical and topical introduction. As the title suggests, attention … Continue reading

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The Paleobiological Revolution: Essays on the Growth of Modern Paleontology

Paleontology has long had a troubled relationship with evolutionary biology. Suffering from a reputation as a second-tier science and conjuring images of fossil collectors and amateurs who dig up bones, paleontology was marginalized even by Darwin himself, who worried that … Continue reading

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The Big Picture: Reflections on Science, Humanity, and a Quickly Changing Planet

Whether he’s discussing how to reconcile economy with ecology, why a warmer world will result in more poison ivy, why Britney Spears gets more hits on Google than global warming does, or why we might need to start eating jellyfish … Continue reading

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Physicists on Wall Street and Other Essays on Science and Society

Over the years, Jeremy Bernstein has been in contact with many of the world’s most renowned physicists and other scientists, many of whom were involved in politics, literature, and language. In this diverse collection of essays, he reflects on their … Continue reading

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Falling for Science: Objects in Mind

“This is a book about science, technology, and love,” writes Sherry Turkle. In it, we learn how a love for science can start with a love for an object—a microscope, a modem, a mud pie, a pair of dice, a … Continue reading

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Evolutionary Essays:: A Thermodynamic Interpretation of the Evolution

Evolution is nature’s most fascinating process, the possibility given sufficient time to combine simple inorganic compounds to more and more complex biochemical compounds, which make up more and more complex organisms. It is therefore crucial in our effort to understand … Continue reading

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The Oxford Book of Modern Science Writing

Boasting almost one hundred pieces, The Oxford Book of Modern Science Writing is a breathtaking celebration of the finest writing by scientists–the best such collection in print–packed with scintillating essays on everything from “The Discovery of Lucy” to “The Terror … Continue reading

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How Shall I Live My Life?: On Liberating the Earth from Civilization (PM Press)

Derrick Jensen discusses the destructive dominant culture with ten people who have devoted their lives to undermining it in this collection of interviews. Whether it is Carolyn Raffensperger and her radical approach to public health, or Thomas Berry on perceiving … Continue reading

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