Quantum Evolution

Description

Quantum Evolution presents a revolutionary new scientific theory by asking: is there a force of will behind evolution? In his astonishing first book, Johnjoe McFadden shows that there is. ‘McFadden’s bold hypothesis that quantum physics plays a key role in the origin and evolution of life looks increasingly plausible. The weird behaviour of matter and information at the quantum level could be just what is needed to explain life’s astonishing properties. If these ideas are right, they will transform our understanding of the relationship between physics and biology.’ PAUL DAVIES In this brilliant debut, Johnjoe McFadden puts forward a theory of quantum evolution. He shows how living organisms have the ability to will themselves into action. Indeed, such an ability may be life’s most fundamental attribute. This has radical implications. Evolution may not be random at all, as recent evolutionary theories have taught: rather, cells may, in certain circumstances, be able to choose to mutate particular genes that provide an advantage in the environment in which the cell finds itself. This ‘will’ – described by McFadden as ‘the life force’ – has startling implications. It is at the root of consciousness and free-will and provides a new understanding of the origins of life and the purpose of death.

First Sentence

Starlight glistens on a spaceship's silvery hull as it cruises, unseen and unmanned, amongst the planets of a distant solar system.

Excerpt

Starlight glistens on a spaceship's silvery hull as it cruises, unseen and unmanned, amongst the planets of a distant solar system.

Description

"How did life start? How did something capable of replicating itself emerge from the primordial soup? How did it defy the odds? And how did it continue to seek out those very mutations that enable survival? Life is an extraordinary phenomenon whose existence requires an extraordinary explanation.". "In this debut, Johnjoe McFadden puts forward a novel theory of quantum evolution. He shows how quantum mechanics gives living organisms the ability to initiate specific actions, including new mutations. Indeed, such an ability may be life's most fundamental attribute. This simple but staggering theory has radical implications. Debunking the recent propositions of evolutionary theorists, McFadden argues that evolution may not be random at all. Rather, it may be directed - that is, in certain circumstances, cells may be able to choose to mutate particular genes that provide an advantage in their environment. This property of living organisms to direct their actions undoubtedly lies at the core of the much-disputed issues of consciousness and free will. Quantum Evolution provides a new understanding of the origin of life and the meaning of death."--BOOK JACKET.

Subjects

Other Editions

• Quantum Evolution: The New Science of LifeW. W. Norton & Company2001-01-01
• Quantum EvolutionHardcoverHarperCollins2000-02-07
• Quantum EvolutionFlamingo2000-10-02
• Quantum EvolutionPaperbackFlamingo2000-10-02
• Quantum EvolutionW. W. Norton & Company2002-04-01
• Quantum EvolutionW. W. Norton & Company2002-04-01