Cosmosapiens by Hands, John -- Read -- Imperial Library of Trantor

Index

Cover Advance Praise Also by John Hands Copyright Dedication Contents Acknowledgements Chapter 1 The Quest PART ONE: The Emergence and Evolution of Matter

Chapter 2 Origin Myths

Principal themes

Primordial chaos or water Earth diver Cosmogonic egg World parents Rebellion by children Sacrifice Primordial battle Creation out of nothing Eternal cycle

Explanations

Literal truth Metaphor Aspect of absolute reality Archetypal truth Foetal experience Limited comprehension of natural phenomena Political and cultural need Insight

Tests of evidence and reason Reasons for endurance Influence on scientific thinking

Chapter 3 The Emergence of Matter: Science’s Orthodox Theory

First half of the twentieth century Current theory: the Big Bang

Theoretical basis Simplifying assumptions: isotropy and omnicentrism

Problems with the Big Bang theory

Magnetic monopole Homogeneity Isotropy of cosmic microwave background (Horizon problem) Flatness (Omega)

Inflation Theory solution Validity of Inflationary Big Bang theory

Reliability of basic theory Claims of evidential support for basic theory Reliability of inflation theory Claims of evidential support for inflation theory

Conclusions

Chapter 4 What Science’s Orthodox Theory Fails to Explain

Singularity Observed ratio of matter to radiation Dark matter and Omega Dark energy Fine-tuning of cosmological parameters Creation from nothing Conclusions

Chapter 5 Other Cosmological Conjectures

Hartle-Hawking no-boundary universe Eternal chaotic inflation Variable speed of light Cyclic bouncing universe Natural selection of universes Loop quantum gravity Quasi-steady state cosmology Plasma cosmology Quintessence Cyclic ekpyrotic universe String theory’s landscape of possibilities Problems with string theory Universe defined Conclusions

Chapter 6 Problems Facing Cosmology as an Explanatory Means

Practical difficulties

Detection limits Measurement problems

Data interpretation

Age of universe Redshifted Type 1a supernovae Apparent acceleration of the universe’s expansion rate Redshift Ripples in cosmic microwave background Exaggerated claims WMAP data Planck telescope’s confirmation of contradictory evidence Data selectivity Law of Data Interpretation

Inadequate theory

Incompleteness of quantum and relativity theories Suitability of general relativity The reality of the quantum world Infinities in a physical cosmos Inadequacy of mathematics

Intrinsic limitations of science Conclusions

Chapter 7 Reasonableness of Cosmological Conjectures

Scope of cosmological conjectures

Cause of the laws of physics Nature of the laws of physics Nature of mathematics

Tests for cosmological conjectures

Beauty Parsimony Internal consistency External consistency with evidence External consistency with other scientific tenets

Origin of the universe

Orthodox model: the Big Bang Multiverse conjectures “Eternal” models

Form of the universe

Fine tuning of cosmological parameters The multiverse explanation

Conclusions

Chapter 8 Evolution of Matter on a Large Scale

The fundamental forces of nature

Gravitational interaction Electromagnetic interaction Strong interaction Weak interaction

Cosmology’s current orthodox explanation of the evolution of matter

Hot Big Bang

Structure of the universe Cause of structure in the universe

Cause of initial inhomogeneities Cause of large structures Cause of star formation Alternative explanation

Continuing evolution?

Perpetually self-sustaining galaxies Fractal universe Big Crunch Long-term heat death Shorter-term heat death

Conclusions

Chapter 9 Evolution of Matter on a Small Scale

Evolution of nuclei of the elements

Elements from helium to iron Elements heavier than iron Cosmic ray production of elements Second- and third-generation stars Elements produced Fine-tuning of nuclear parameters

Formation of atoms

Laws of quantum mechanics Pauli Exclusion Principle Fine-tuning of atomic parameters

Evolution of atoms

Methods of bonding Uniqueness of carbon

Molecules in space Conclusions

Chapter 10 Pattern to the Evolution of Matter

Consistency with known scientific laws

Principle of Conservation of Energy Principle of Increasing Entropy

Contradictions of the Principle of Increasing Entropy

Local systems The universe

Chapter 11 Reflections and Conclusions on the Emergence and Evolution of Matter

Reflections Conclusions

PART TWO: The Emergence and Evolution of Life

Chapter 12 A Planet Fit for Life

Conditions necessary for known lifeforms

Essential elements and molecules Mass of planet Temperature range Sources of energy Protection from hazardous radiation and impacts Stability

Formation of the Earth and its biosphere

Characteristics of the Earth Formation

Is the Earth special?

The orthodox view Evidence questioning the orthodox view

Conclusions

Chapter 13 Life

The ancient world’s understanding of life The development of science’s explanation of life Claimed reconciliations between ancient insights and modern science

Alternative medicine Field hypotheses

Orthodox science’s response Orthodox science’s approach to defining life Claimed characteristics of life

Reproduction Evolution Response to stimuli Metabolism Organization Complexity

Definitions of life

Smolin’s self-organized system Capra’s web of life Avoidance of purpose McFadden’s quantum life

Working definition of life Conclusions

Chapter 14 The Emergence of Life 1: Evidence

Direct evidence

Fossils Extremophiles

Indirect evidence

Genetic analyses Universal common ancestor?

Size, complexity, structure, and functioning of the simplest cell

Size Components and structure External parts Shifting protein shapes

Conclusions

Chapter 15 The Emergence of Life 2: Hypotheses

Oparin-Haldane primordial soup replicator Self-replicating RNA Self-replicating peptide Two-dimensional substrate Extraterrestrial origin Intelligent design Anthropic principle Quantum emergence Self-organizing complexity Emergence theory Conclusions

Chapter 16 Development of Scientific Ideas about Biological Evolution

Pre-evolutionary ideas

Aristotle Creationism Linnaeus

Development of evolutionary ideas

De Maillet Buffon Erasmus Darwin Hutton Lamarck Geoffroy Wells Grant Matthew

Wallace Charles Darwin

An original thinker? Darwin’s contribution Problems with Darwin’s hypothesis Darwinism

Orthogenesis Kropotkin and mutual aid

Pivotal observations Mutual aid Supporting evidence

Symbiogenesis Mendel and heritability

Experiments Mendel’s laws

NeoDarwinism Molecular biology Principles of biological orthodoxy Consequences of the current paradigm

Chapter 17 Evidence of Biological Evolution 1: Fossils

Species Fossils

Paucity of the fossil record Interpretation The fossil record Transitional fossils Species extinctions Stasis and sudden speciation Fossil record of animals and plants Evolution of mammals Tracing human evolution from the fossil record

Conclusions

Chapter 18 Evidence of Biological Evolution 2: Analyses of Living Species

Homologous structures Vestigiality Biogeography Embryology and development Changes in species

Artificial selection Species in the wild Species definition

Biochemistry Genetics Genomics Conclusions

Chapter 19 Evidence of Biological Evolution 3: Behaviour of Living Species

Unicellular species Multicellular species Genes Plants Insects Fishes Meerkats Primates Inter-species associations Conclusions

Chapter 20 The Human Lineage

Phylogenetic trees Taxonomy of the human lineage

Chapter 21 Causes of Biological Evolution: the Current Orthodox Account

The current paradigm What NeoDarwinian orthodoxy fails to explain

Stasis and rapid speciation Speciation Immediate speciation: polyploidy Asexual reproduction Horizontal gene transfer Organismal embryology and development Genotypes and phenotypes “Junk” DNA Inheritance of acquired characteristics Collaboration Progressive complexification

Chapter 22 Complementary and Competing Hypotheses 1: Complexification

Intelligent Design Punctuated equilibrium Sudden origins Stabilizing selection Neutral theory Whole genome duplication Epigenetics Deep homology and parallel evolution Evolutionary convergence Emergence theory Self-organizing complexity Genome evolution laws Natural genetic engineering Systems biology Gaia hypothesis Formative causation

Chapter 23 Complementary and Competing Hypotheses 2: Collaboration

Sociobiology

Group selection Kin-related altruism or inclusive fitness “Reciprocal altruism” Game theory Empirical proof Selfish gene Genial gene Multilevel selection

Collaboration

Mutual aid Symbiogenesis

Chapter 24 The Evolution of Consciousness

The evolution of behaviour

Bacteria and archaea Eukaryotes: single-celled Eukaryotes: animals Evolutionary pattern

Physical correlates of rising consciousness

The nervous system Nervous systems in the human lineage

Chapter 25 Reflections and Conclusions on the Emergence and Evolution of Life

Reflections Conclusions

PART THREE: The Emergence and Evolution of Humans

Chapter 26 The Emergence of Humans

What is a human?

Proposed definition Evidence for reflective consciousness

Human predecessors

The evidence and its problems Tribe of hominins Genus of Homo

Earliest signs of Homo sapiens

Tools Controlled use of fire Symbols and ornaments Trading? Sea crossings Ceremonial burials and cremations Paintings, figurines, and flutes Language

Completion of human emergence Explanatory hypotheses

Multiregional model Replacement or Recent African origins model Assimilation model Recent African origins with hybridization model Human revolution model Gradualist model

Proposed causes of human emergence

Genetic mutation Climate change in East Africa Climate changes globally

Conclusions

Chapter 27 Human Evolution 1: Primeval Thinking

How humans evolved

Physically Genetically Noetically

The evolution of primeval thinking

Nomadic hunter-gatherer bands to settled farming communities Agricultural villages to city-states and empires The development of writing The foundations of astronomy and mathematics The development of beliefs and religions

Conclusions

Chapter 28 Human Evolution 2: Philosophical Thinking

The emergence of philosophical thinking

India China Europe The Middle East Central America

The evolution of philosophical thinking

India China Europe

The ramification of philosophical thinking Overview of noetic evolution Conclusions

Chapter 29 Human Evolution 3: Scientific Thinking

The emergence of scientific thinking

Medical sciences Life sciences Physical sciences

The evolution of scientific thinking

Physical sciences Life sciences Medical sciences Psychology Interactivity and hybrid sub-branches Convergent trend Results of scientific thinking

Chapter 30 Uniqueness of Humans

Current orthodoxy

Ego-anthropocentricism Genetic identity Behavioural difference in degree only

Unique human behaviours

Chapter 31 Conclusions and Reflections on the Emergence and Evolution of Humans

Conclusions Reflections

Reduction in aggression Increase in cooperation Rate of change Globalization Complexification Leading edge trend Convergence Hominization Changing duality of human nature Integration of patterns in the evidence

PART FOUR: A Cosmic Process

Chapter 32 Limitations of Science

Limitations within the domain of science

Observation and measurement

Data Subjectivity Method Theory Defective science

Limitations of the domain of science

Subjective experiences

Social concepts and values Untestable ideas Metaphysical questions

Another possible limitation

Chapter 33 Reflections and Conclusions on Human Evolution as a Cosmic Process

Reflections

Conclusions

Notes Bibliography Glossary Illustration credits Index About the Author

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