Time, Science and Philosophy By Hector C. Parr A guide to the philosophical implications of the latest developments in the physical sciences. Aimed at the general reader, this concise and elegant work will both inform and stimulate, as well as providing a basis for understanding more advanced works. ISBN-13: 9780718829643 Specifications: 216x138mm, 128pp, Paperback Price: £12.75 • US$28.00 Publication: July 1997 Order this Title Now

About this Book

Now, as never before, the big questions of life - purpose, the mind, physical nature - are tied together as philosophers have to take on board the findings of scientists about the mysteries of the universe and physicists seek to explain ideas of human destiny.

All too often this crossover results in confusion being worse confounded. Professional philosophers are seldom equipped to comprehend cutting-edge scientific research, and when scientists attempt to explain their findings they mystify the ordinary reader. Yet the public remains eager to be enlightened; hence the great bestsellers that end up unread.

This book is different. Without ever reducing the text to a simplistic or patronising level, Hector Parr provides a guide to modern thought that will genuinely inform the average person and provide a basis for understanding more advanced works. He explores in detail the true nature of Time, and pursues the scientific and philosophical implications more fully than other books on the subject. He follows through the implications of seemingly abstruse fields such as particle physics for our ideas of our place in the universe and presents his own synthesis of the problems; at once scholarly, humane and challenging.

Concepts are explained simply and concisely. No assumptions are made about the reader’s education; when arguments are introduced that could baffle the non-scientist, they are clearly marked and may be skipped, but those who can follow them are encouraged to pursue the reasoning. Rather than present pre-digested results, Parr lets us accompany him in drawing conclusions from the evidence collected by researchers.

This is an elegant appraisal of matters in which we are all ultimately concerned. Succeeding where other more specialised texts fail, it will be welcomed by all who are willing to exercise their imagination and seek out the truth.

Reviews and Comments

"...a new viewpoint... Heavy going, perhaps, for most people? Not at all. He feels it should all be readily understood by the average intelligent reader."
Teesdale Mercury

About the Author

Hector C. Parr was educated at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Darlington, and Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. For many years he taught Mathematics and Computing. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists and an audio engineer in his spare time.

More information about Time, Science and Philosophy is available on his web site at:
http://www.c-parr.freeserve.co.uk/hcp/ps.htm