A Case Against Accident and Self-Organization - Softcover

Overman, Dean L.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0742511677 ISBN 13: 9780742511675

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2001

Synopsis

In this illuminating book, Dean L. Overman uses logical principles and mathematical calculations to answer intriguing questions that have long perplexed biologists and astrophysicists.

About this title

Review:

The author has provided an eminently readable and interesting book.--Glenn Wyper "Reformed Review, Fall 98, Vo. 52 N0. 1 "

For entertainment, Mr. Overman likes to ponder the origins of life on Earth, the mysteries of quantum mechanics and the nuances of particle physics. His mastery of these fields has earned him the respect and admiration of scholars from Cambridge to Harvard.--Mona Charen "The Washington Times "

The writing is very clear, with hierarchic organization of numbered sections and subsections. Overman writes for the intelligent layperson, making this fine presentation of the argument for Design accessible to a wide audience.--Charles E. Chaffey, Universtiy of Toronto "Book Reviews, March 99 "

A valuable contribution to the discussion about the relationship between natural science and theology.--Wolfhart Pannenberg, University of Munich

Overman's 'brief' finds implausible the claims that life evolved from nonlife by chance and that the conditions for life in the universe are without cause. . . . As clear and straightforward an argument as one can find.--First Things

Overman's Brilliant book A Case Against Accident and Self-Organization will demonstrate to any reader that the universe we know could hardly have arisen by chance.--The American Enterprise

...impressive work.--Philosophia Christi

Synopsis:

Is it mathematically possible that accidental processes caused the formation of the first form of living matter from non-living matter? Could accidental processes have caused the formation of a universe compatible with life? Are current self-organization scenarios for the formation of the first living matter permissible? The author reviews the influence of metaphysical assumptions in logical analysis, and discusses the principles of logic applicable to these questions, examining the limitations of verbal and mathematical logic. Dean Overman then procceds to demonstrate that it is mathematically impossible that accidental processes produced the first living matter. The text also exaines other issues related to the creation of the universe, including Stephen Hawking's no boundary proposal, the need for a "Creator" as the preserving cause of the universe, and the explanations offered by the weak and strong anthropic principles.

About this edition

• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0742511677
• ISBN 13: 9780742511675
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 272