Living Within Limits: A Scientific Search for Truth
Language: English
Published by Algora Publishing, 2006
- Hardcover
- New
Seller: Revaluation Books, Exeter, United KingdomRevaluation Books
AbeBooks seller since January 6, 2003
Condition: New
£ 36.30
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketItem description from seller
Seller Inventory # zk0875865860
- Title
- Living Within Limits: A Scientific Search for Truth
- Author
- Kenneth M. Merz/ Sr.
- Publisher
- Algora Publishing
- Publication year
- 2006
- Condition
- Brand New
- Binding
- Hardcover
- Language
- English
- ISBN 10
- 0875865860
- ISBN 13
- 9780875865867
- Item weight
- 0.48 kilograms
The book de-mystifies scientific concepts, helping readers appreciate the astounding intricacy that undergirds our existence—and the physical and societal boundaries that define our existence. It examines historical examples of civilizations that failed, such as the society of Easter Island, to illustrate the consequences of overreaching environmental limits. This analysis extends to the modern world, with a direct look at the finite nature of fossil fuels, the difficult realities of alternative energy, and the workings of economic systems like capitalism which often operate as if resources were infinite. Merz systematically questions the assumption that human inventiveness alone can solve every problem, arguing instead for a realistic acceptance of the planet's constraints.
Dr. Merz is a research scientist who, with his colleagues, won 26 US patents and over 100 related international patents. To build his case here, he moves from the large-scale problems of society to the fundamental principles of knowledge itself. He carefully distinguishes between what we can “believe” and what we can truly “know.” He provides an accessible overview of the methods humanity has used to find truth—from deductive logic to the modern scientific method—while acknowledging their inherent limitations.
This foundation in physical reality covers topics from the nature of time and change, explained through thermodynamics, to the strange but factual world of quantum mechanics. The argument then shifts to biological reality, presenting the cornerstones of modern life science. Readers will find clear explanations of evolution, natural selection, and the structure of DNA, showing how these facts shape not only our physical being but also our understanding of purpose, individuality, and our place in the natural order.
Ultimately, Living within Limits argues that humanity has become the “Natural Selector,” a species whose collective actions now determine the fate of all life on Earth. By cutting through subjective delusions and absolute ideologies, the book makes a powerful case for a rational, science-informed worldview. It is not a message of despair, but a call for a mature and responsible stewardship of our planet, one that recognizes limits and finds in the sheer fact of our existence a form of “optimism triumphant.”
"Synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Revaluation Books
Exeter, United Kingdom
AbeBooks seller since January 6, 2003
Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
| Item | 7 to 14 business days | 2 to 3 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | £ 10.00 | £ 25.00 |
Payment methods
Seller's business information
Edward Bowditch Ltd
Exstowe, Exton
Exeter, United Kingdom EX3 0PP
Terms of sale
Legal entity name: Edward Bowditch Ltd
Legal entity form: Limited company
Business correspondence address: Exstowe, Exton, Exeter, EX3 0PP
Company registration number: 04916632
VAT registration: GB834241546
Authorised representative: Mr. E. Bowditch
Right of withdrawal
If you are a consumer you can withdraw from the contract in accordance with the following. Consumer means any natural person who is acting for purposes which are outside his trade, business, craft or profession.
Information regarding the right of withdrawal
Statutory right to withdraw
You have the right to withdraw from this contract within 14 days without giving any reason.
The withdrawal period will expire after 14 days from the day on which you acquire, or a third party other than the carrier and indicated by you acquires, physical possession of the last good or the last lot or piece.
To exercise the right of withdrawal, electronically fill in and submit a clear statement on our website, under "My Purchases" in "My Account". We will communicate to you an acknowledgement of receipt of such a withdrawal on a durable medium (e.g. by e-mail) without delay.
To meet the withdrawal deadline, it is sufficient for you to send your communication concerning your exercise of the right of withdrawal before the withdrawal period has expired.
Effects of withdrawal
If you withdraw from this contract, we will reimburse to you all payments received from you, including the costs of delivery (except for the supplementary costs arising if you chose a type of delivery other than the least expensive type of standard delivery offered by us).
We may make a deduction from the reimbursement for loss in value of any goods supplied, if the loss is the result of unnecessary handling by you.
We will make the reimbursement without undue delay, and not later than 14 days after the day on which we are informed about your decision to withdraw from this contract.
We will make the reimbursement using the same means of payment as you used for the initial transaction, unless you have expressly agreed otherwise; in any event, you will not incur any fees as a result of such reimbursement.
We may withhold reimbursement until we have received the goods back, or you have supplied evidence of having sent back the goods, whichever is the earliest.
You shall send back the goods or hand them over to Revaluation Books, Hounslow, United Kingdom, without undue delay and in any event not later than 14 days from the day on which you communicate your withdrawal from this contract to us. The deadline is met if you send back the goods before the period of 14 days has expired. You will have to bear the direct cost of returning the goods. You are only liable for any diminished value of the goods resulting from the handling other than what is necessary to establish the nature, characteristics and functioning of the goods.
Exceptions to the right of withdrawal
The right of withdrawal does not apply to:
- The delivery of newspapers, journals or magazines with the exception of subscription contracts; and
- The supply of digital content which is not supplied on a tangible medium (e.g. on a CD or DVD) if you accepted when you placed your order that we could start to deliver it, and that you could not withdraw once delivery had started.
Shipping terms
Orders usually dispatched within two working days.