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“This is an unusual book
which ranges across astronomy, philosophy and faith as the subtitle
promises. It embraces a study of the value systems and concepts
which have come from major religions and other structure of belief.
Ultimately Professor Brown, seems to be fundamentally concerned
with what human beings are and the meaning of human consciousness.
His book, he says, ‘arises from a need to consolidate the
forces of reason … but also to be infused with the virtues
we see as aspects of reality.’ … The author embarks
on this task by considering ideas from a very wide range of thinkers
and actors throughout history: Moses, Plato, Jesus, Newton, Einstein,
Kant, Maimonides, Mohammed and many others. He manages to do
this without being, on the one hand, encyclopaedic, on the other
fragmentary; this is a particularly notable feature of a book
of only just over 300 pages.
The interdisciplinary coverage of the
book is extraordinary and rather exciting in its exploration
of philosophic implications
of the developments in our knowledge of the universe. Yet, in a
sense, there is a simple directness in its ultimate propositions
that it is a privilege to be a human being and that as Professor
Brown puts it, relations will ‘improve between the great
religious obediences; between them and philosophic obediences;
and between all of these and the natural sciences.’ … well
worth the effort for a wide range of readers, philosophers, scientists,
and non-specialists.” Philosophy of Management
“Neville Brown brings a distinctive voice and a lifetime’s
reflection to the discussion of both science and spirituality.
He provides an engaging compendium of information on human evolution,
emphasising the critical role astronomy has played in redefining
human self-perception. Eastern as well as Western cultures fall
within his purview and he provides the grounds for welcoming
the spiritual experimentation taking place within and across
different religious traditions. This is a book for all who share
his concern that in a shrinking world the choice between fanaticism
and conciliation is becoming ever starker.” John
Hedley Brooke, Andreas Idreos Professor of Science & Religion,
University of Oxford
“Professor Neville Brown has written a magisterial book on current
relationships and debates involving astronomy, philosophy, and
theology. His work on this broad and daunting topic is a highly
creative and accessible analysis by a writer with unusual interdisciplinary
strengths. He explores the interactions among the main religious
faiths of the world, and between them and astrophysics and astrobiology.
He examines the implications of this exploration for such questions
as the concept of a ‘just war’, the non-weaponization
of space, and effective measures of arms control.
Professor Brown argues that the preservation of Nature could
be one valuable consequence of a heightened dialogue and discussion
among the world’s great faiths. And he has produced a work
that has sweeping implications for social and political policy-making.
Political, religious, and civic leaders – world-wide – would
do well to heed this book’s message.” Milton
C. Cummings, Jr., Professor Emeritus of Political Science, Johns
Hopkins University
“ One can always be certain that any book by Neville Brown will
exhibit breadth and depth of experience and learning. Engaging
the Cosmos does
not disappoint. This book is absorbing. The narrative detail
serves to place all the major historical information in a fascinating
context.
Neville Brown makes it natural that astronomy, philosophy and
faith in their widest interpretation should be discussed together.
Each reinforces the other in the development of the book. It
is rare to find an author who is equally comfortable with modern
astrophysics as with the motivations of the ancient world.
If you want to know who is or was who in these fields you will
find
a discussion of them in this book. The issues are not left
to ideals. We are brought to face issues of modern conscience
and
responsibility. Well worth reading.” Professor
Yvonne Elsworth, School of Physics and Astronomy, The University
of Birmingham
“One is entitled to ask where the author is coming from.
It is most succinctly put on p. 226: ‘those many of us
who subscribe to no established faith but who would lay claim
to a broad ethical concern and spiritual aspiration.’
Thus, all the great belief systems, and many of the dottier ones,
are examined
in the light of what we know and don’t know about the universe, and of
the state of humankind past and present; but even that goes only part way to
describing what is set out in this book, for it is at its most fascinating when
examining the concepts of Life and Consciousness. Are the two, as the book seems
sometimes to imply, interdependent; or is there some deeper cosmic consciousness
that is, indeed, the answer to Life, the Universe and Everything?
What, then, of the future as Professor Brown sees it? While accepting that humankind
is limited in its comprehension and the span of its logic – in both space
and time – he finds that ‘it is a considerable privilege to be a
human being’, and sees some hope in the convergence of the beliefs of ordinary
folk who are not ‘prone to prejudicial irrationality and over-reactive
violence’. Within that convergence, he suggests, ‘Value and belief
systems will become more individual, more or less regardless of any person’s
formal allegiance.’” Naval Review
Written by an experienced author with a strong background in
both History and Earth Sciences, this text explores the philosophic
implications of the dramatic developments now under way in
astrophysics and astrobiology. How close may this progress,
empirical and
theoretical, bring us to a definitive understanding of ultimate
realities? What could it connote for the future of the great
religious obediences? What might it mean for the evolution
of a planetary consciousness that could be the key to the survival
of our overburdened world? Are there not alarming possibilities,
yet also very positive ones? Not merely will this discussion
take full but measured account of hard science in a manner
accessible
to lay people, but the arguments and observations presented
will be set firmly in a deep historical perspective.
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List of Contents to follow |
Publication Details
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ISBN: |
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9781903900666 h/b |
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9781903900673 p/b |
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Page Extent / Format: |
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320 pp. / 229 x 152 mm |
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Release Date: |
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July 2006 |
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Illustrated: |
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No |
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Hardback Price: |
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£49.50 / $75.00 |
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Paperback |
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£16.95 / $32.50 |
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