What Is Life?

by Gumbrecht, Hans Ulrich; Harrison, Robert Pogue; Hendrickson, Michael R.; Laughlin, Robert B.

• ISBN13: 9780804769167
• ISBN10: 0804769168
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-02-28
• Publisher: Stanford Univ Pr

Summary

Erwin Schrodinger (1887-1961) is best known as a co-recipient of the 1933 Nobel Prize in Physics for his development of a mathematical description of quantum mechanics. Today, many experts also consider him the father of bioengineering, and philosophers grant him an important role in the development of an ecological philosophy of nature. Here, four leading scientists and humanists reveal the ongoing contributions of Schrodinger's thought and unfold its controversial potential. They remind us that, in addition to being a great scientist, Schrodinger was also a great thinker whose intellectual provocations far exceed his historical impact. Their insights will be valued by biologists, philosophers, physicists--and a wide range of the scientifically curious alike.

Author Biography

Hans Ulrich Gumbrecht is Albert Gurard Professor of Literature at Stanford University. Robert Pogue Harrison is Rosina Pierotti Professor in Italian Literature and Chair of the Department of French and Italian at Stanford University. Michael R. Hendrickson is Director of Surgical Pathology at Stanford University Medical Center. Robert B. Laughlin is Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Professor of Physics at Stanford University and was a co-recipient of the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1998.

Table of Contents

The Authors	p. vii
Introduction: The Sustainability of Erwin Schrödinger's Thought	p. 1
Schrödinger on Mind and Matter	p. 13
Schrödinger's Trouble: How Quantum Mechanics Got Created with a Logical Loose End	p. 33
Exorcizing Schrödinger's Ghost: Reflections on 'What Is Life?' and Its Surprising Relevance to Cancer Biology	p. 45
Keeping the Singular, Risking Openness: Erwin Schrödinger's Way of World Experience	p. 105
Notes and References	p. 123
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