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Bibliographic Details

Title: Figments of Reality: The Evolution of the Curious Mind
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Publication Date: 1997
Language: English
ISBN 10: 0521571553
ISBN 13: 9780521571555
Binding: hardcover
Condition: Good

About this title

Synopsis

Is the universe around us a figment of our imagination? Or are our minds figments of reality? In this refreshing new look at the evolution of mind and culture, bestselling authors Ian Stewart and Jack Cohen eloquently argue that our minds necessarily evolved inextricably within the context of culture and language. They go beyond conventional reductionist ideas to look at how the mind is the response of an evolving brain trying to grapple with a complex environment. Along the way they develop new and intriguing insights into the nature of evolution, science and humanity.

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

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

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We are a family run online bookshop based in Wales at the western edge of the Brecon Beacons National park and have been selling books online since October 2004. I have always had a love of books and it eventually got to the stage where my own book collection began to take over the family home! I reluctantly decided to sell a few of my own books on Amazon and was astonished at how quickly they sold. I was hooked and decided to start buying and selling books as a small part-time business from my spare bedroom. The business rapidly expanded, taking over the spare bedroom and my garage, swiftly followed by a spare bedroom in my mother's house and her garage! I acquired a small industrial unit in February 2007 and took the plunge to go full-time in March 2007, closely followed by my wife in September 2007. In October 2007 we moved in to larger premises and also took on our first members of staff to assist with the ever increasing workload. Our aim is to ensure that the people who buy our books enjoy the same service that we would hope for when purchasing a book ourselves. To that end, we endeavour to give all our books accurate descriptions, price them accordingly and dispatch swiftly and safely. All orders are dispatched within one working day, Monday to Friday. We will endeavour to answer all queries by email within 24 hours.

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Goldstone Books
Castle House, High Street, Ammanford, SA18 2NB, United Kingdom

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Goldstone Books Limited
Cilyrychen Industrial Estate, Llandybie, Carmarthenshire, SA18 3GY.
Email: customerservices@goldstonebooks.co.uk - Phone: 01269 267070
Company registration number: 06817864. VAT registration number: 920299721
Managing Director: Ashley Stamford-Plows

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