Masks of the Universe

To the ancient Greeks the universe consisted of earth, air, fire and water. To Saint Augustine it was the Word of God. To many modern scientists it is the interaction of atoms and waves, and in years to come it may be different again. What then is the real universe? History shows that in every age society constructs its own universe, believing it to be the real and final one. Yet these are only models, or masks covering what is not understood and not known. This book brings together fundamental scientific, philosophical, and religious issues in cosmology, raising thought provoking questions. In every age people have pitied the universes of their ancestors, convinced that they have at last discovered the full truth. Do we now stand at the threshold of knowing everything, or will our latest model also be rejected by our descendants?

• Provides a thought-provoking coverage of a wide range of issues in cosmology • Highly praised, the first edition won the Melcher Book Award • Discusses the scientific, philosophical and religious issues in cosmology throughout the ages

Preface; Introducing the masks; Part I. Worlds in the Making: 1. The magic Universe; 2. The mythic Universe; 3. The geometric Universe; 4. The medieval Universe; 5. The infinite Universe; 6. The mechanistic Universe. Part II. The Heart Divine: 7. Dance of the atoms and waves; 8. Fabric of space and time; 9. Nearer to the heart’s desire; 10. The cosmic tide; 11. Do dreams ever come true?; Part III. The Cloud of Unknowing: 12. The witch universe; 13. The spear of Archytas; 14. All that is made; 15. The cloud of unknowing; 16. Learned ignorance.

From reviews of the first edition: ‘In an age where philosophers and social scientists are trying to outdo one another in imitating physicists, it’s refreshing and perhaps fitting that a physicist should remind them that there are important subjects that can’t be approached in this way … Harrison has done a marvellous piece of historical research, and the book is filled with gems … He speaks in the language of science about mankind’s age-old need to find meaning and order in a seemingly senseless Universe.’

– James Trefil, New York Times

‘… a fascinating blend of historical narrative, science popularisation, and philosophical argument.’

– Robert Romer, American Journal of Physics