Publisher's Synopsis
This compelling narrative offers a profound exploration of contemporary frontiers in our understanding, hailed by Carlo Rovelli, acclaimed author of The Order of Time and Seven Brief Lessons on Physics.
Unveiling the intricate relationship between a 'theory of everything' and our comprehension of the human mind, the essence of physics lies in elucidating our observations. While historical belief held that observations faithfully mirrored external reality, the exploration of the subatomic realm revealed that observation itself can alter the observed, introducing a profound shift in perspective. This phenomenon, observed in both the microscopic and cosmic domains, necessitates physicists to confront consciousness as a pivotal element in their pursuits, prompting collaboration with neuroscientists and philosophers.
Delving into the structure of the brain meticulously established by neuroscientists, physicists explore the potential connections to self-organization observed in diverse systems. Simultaneously, these physicists grapple with understanding how particles organize into the tangible entities that surround us, seeking insights into the nature of conscious experience produced by neurons.
In this enthralling journey, George Musser traverses the intricate web linking quantum mechanics, cosmology, human consciousness, and artificial intelligence. By seamlessly blending vivid descriptive prose with captivating portraits of scientists on the forefront, 'Putting Ourselves Back in the Equation' unveils the profound interdependence of theories of everything and theories of mind, suggesting they might be intricately intertwined.