Synopses & Reviews
In Visions, theoretical physicist and bestselling author Michio Kaku examines the ways the three scientific revolutions that reshaped the twentieth century -- quantum mechanics, biogenetics, and artificial intelligence -- will dramatically alter science and the way we will live in the twenty-first century. Kaku's thrilling, unique narrative introduces a world in which we are no longer passive bystanders to the dance of the universe, but creative choreographers of matter, life, and intelligence. A spellbinding adventure that brings together the cutting-edge research of today's foremost scientists to explore the world of tomorrow, Visions is science reading at its most exhilarating.
Synopsis
The national bestselling author of The God Equation and renowned theoretical physicist examines the scientific revolutions that have reshaped the twentieth century--the quantum mechanics, biogenetics, and artificial intelligence--and shows how they will change and alter science and the way we live. "An erudite, compelling insider's look into the most mind-bending potential of science research." --Chicago Tribune
The next century will witness more far-reaching scientific revolutions, as we make the transition from unraveling the secrets of nature to becoming masters of nature. We will no longer be passive bystanders to the dance of the universe, but will become creative choreographers of matter, life, and intelligence.
The first section of Visions presents a shocking look at a cyber-world infiltrated by millions of tiny intelligence systems. Part two illustrates how the decoding of DNA's genetic structure will allow humans the "godlike ability to manipulate life almost at will." Finally, Visions focuses on the future of quantum physics, in which physicists will perfect new ways to manipulate matter and harness the cosmic energy of the universe.
What makes Michio Kaku's vision of the science of the future so compelling--and so different from the mere forecasts of most thinkers--is that it is based on the groundbreaking research taking place in labs today, as well as the consensus of over 150 of Kaku's scientific colleagues. Science, for all its breathtaking change, evolves slowly; we can accurately predict, asserts Kaku, what the direction of science will be, based on the paths that are being forged today.
A thrilling, unique narrative that brings together the thinking of many of the world's most accomplished scientists to explore the world of the future, Visions is science writing at its best.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. [356]-393) and index.
About the Author
Michio Kaku is the Henry Semat Professor of Theoretical Physics at the City College of New York. Cofounder of string field theory, he is the author of the critically acclaimed and bestselling
Hyperspace, as well as
Beyond Einstein (with Jennifer Thompson),
Quantum Field Theory: A Modern Introduction, and
Introduction to Superstrings. He hosts an hour-long weekly radio science program that is nationally syndicated.
From the Hardcover edition.
Tech Q&A
Read the Tech Q&A with Michio Kaku