Figments of Reality: The Evolution of the Curious Mind - Hardcover

Stewart, Ian; Cohen, Jack

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521571553 ISBN 13: 9780521571555

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1997

Synopsis

Popular science tour de force from bestselling authors, on evolution of intelligence, culture and mind.

About this title

Review

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.' New Scientist

'Stewart and Cohen assault ... all the big questions with gleeful expedition. Figments questions our placidly received wisdom ... is frighteningly readable.' Henry Gee, 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, The Herald (Glasgow)

' ... a stimulating and entertaining read.' 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.' 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.' 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

'I would recommend this book for anyone with an interest in events beyond our daily lives.' Rosalind Ramsey, International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry

Book Description

Bestselling authors Ian Stewart and Jack Cohen return with an exhilarating and entertaining exploration of how mind, language and culture evolved. Providing a fresh outlook on these topical questions, they develop new and intriguing insights into the nature of evolution, science and humanity.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521571553
• ISBN 13: 9780521571555
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 340