The The Janus Point
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The The Janus Point by Julian Barbour
In a universe filled by chaos and disorder, one physicist makes the radical argument that the growth of order drives the passage of time--and shapes the destiny of the universe.
Time is among the universe's greatest mysteries. Why, when most laws of physics allow for it to flow forward and backward, does it only go forward?
Physicists have long appealed to the second law of thermodynamics, held to predict the increase of disorder in the universe, to explain this. In The Janus Point, physicist Julian Barbour argues that the second law has been misapplied and that the growth of order determines how we experience time. In his view, the Big Bang becomes the "Janus Point," a moment of minimal order from which time could flow, and order increase, in two directions.
The Janus Point has remarkable implications: while most physicists predict that the universe will become mired in disorder, Barbour sees the possibility that order--the stuff of life--can grow without bound.
A major new work of physics, The Janus Point will transform our understanding of the nature of existence.
"[Barbour]'s provocative theory offers an optimistic view of our cosmic destiny ... An engaging and inspiring read." ―Matthew Johnson, Science Magazine
Time is among the universe's greatest mysteries. Why, when most laws of physics allow for it to flow forward and backward, does it only go forward?
Physicists have long appealed to the second law of thermodynamics, held to predict the increase of disorder in the universe, to explain this. In The Janus Point, physicist Julian Barbour argues that the second law has been misapplied and that the growth of order determines how we experience time. In his view, the Big Bang becomes the "Janus Point," a moment of minimal order from which time could flow, and order increase, in two directions.
The Janus Point has remarkable implications: while most physicists predict that the universe will become mired in disorder, Barbour sees the possibility that order--the stuff of life--can grow without bound.
A major new work of physics, The Janus Point will transform our understanding of the nature of existence.
"[Barbour]'s provocative theory offers an optimistic view of our cosmic destiny ... An engaging and inspiring read." ―Matthew Johnson, Science Magazine
Julian Barbour is a theoretical physicist who has worked on foundational issues in physics and astronomy for 35 years. His first book, the widely praised The Discovery of Dynamics, has recently been republished in paperback. In 2000 the Association of American Publishers awarded The End of Time its
prestigious award for excellence in the Physics & Astronomy section. Julian Barbour, a theoretical physicist, has worked on foundational issues in physics for 35 years. He is the author of the widely praised Absolute or Relative Motion?: Volume I, and is working on the second volume.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780465095469 |
| ISBN 10 | 0465095461 |
| Title | The The Janus Point |
| Author | Julian Barbour |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | INGRAM PUBLISHER SERVICES US |
| Year published | 2020-12-01 |
| Number of pages | 400 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |