On Space and Time

What is the true nature of space and time? These concepts are at the heart of science, but they remain deeply wrapped in enigma. Their structure at both the smallest pre-subatomic and the largest cosmological levels continues to defy modern physics and may require revolutionary new ideas for which science is still grasping. This unique volume brings together world leaders in cosmology, particle physics, quantum gravity, mathematics, philosophy and theology, to provide fresh insights into the deep structure of space and time. Andrew Taylor explains the evidence for dark matter and dark energy. Shahn Majid argues that space and time should be quantum. Roger Penrose explains what in his view comes before the 'Big Bang'. Alain Connes argues that matter is geometry as a fine structure to spacetime. Michael Heller explores the philosophical and theological implications of spacetime. John Polkinghorne argues for a theory of how time unfolds.

Table of Contents:
Preface; 1. The dark universe A. N. Taylor; 2. Quantum spacetime and physical reality S. Majid; 3. Causality, quantum theory and cosmology R. Penrose; 4. On the fine structure of spacetime A. Connes; 5. Where physics meets metaphysics M. Heller; 6. The nature of time J. C. Polkinghorne; Index.

About the Author :
Shahn Majid is Professor of Mathematics at Queen Mary, University of London. Trained as a theoretical physicist and mathematician at Cambridge and Harvard, he helped pioneer the theory of quantum symmetry in the 1980s and 1990s. He is author of two textbooks in the field and numerous research articles.

Review :
"Physicists normally apply well-established theories without worrying too much about the conceptual underpinnings of their subject. But they should not forget that there are still fundamental mysteries and gaps in our grasp of physical reality. The 'Mount Everest' challenge is to understand the 'bedrock' nature of space and time and to seek a unification of Einstein's relativity and of quantum theory -- of cosmos and microworld: it's being tackeld by a variety of approaches, but none has yet brought us close to the summit. In this book, experts offer -- in generally non technical language -- some distinctive perspectives. The book will interest physicists and philosophers. But it will also be enlightening and fascinating to anyone with an enquiring mind who has ever wondered 'did time have a beginning?', 'is space infinite', 'why are there three dimensions?' or 'does space have an atomic structure'?" Martin Rees, Professor of Cosmology and Astrophysics, University of Cambridge, and author of Gravity's Fatal Attraction