What Is Life?

Erwin Schroedinger (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 Schroedinger's thought and unfold its controversial potential. They remind us that, in addition to being a great scientist, Schroedinger 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.

“"This volume expands our understanding of the astonishingly broad application of Erwin Schrodinger's thought to contemporary science and philosophy, and it does so in a stimulating, original, and thoroughly engrossing way. It is both a compelling read and a treasure house of insights on the enduring relevance of Schrodinger's singular scientific genius." --Gregory Maertz,St. John's University”

"In this most recent reexamination of Schrodinger's seminal work, Stanford University professors (two of literate, a pathologist, and a physicist) give the reader new and important insights into the thought of the man who helped shape a great deal of the 20th century. A must have for any student of science and philosophy. Extensive notes and references give added value to this work... Highly recommended." - C. G. Wood, Choice "An imaginative and highly interdisciplinary invitation to rethink the work of Erwin Schrodinger, one of the most remarkable scientist-philosophers of the last two hundred years. Each author brings a different perspective - two from the humanities, two from the sciences. And the whole turns out to be even more than the sum of its parts, thanks to its well-defined focus on Schrodinger's thought." - Peter Galison, Harvard University "This volume expands our understanding of the astonishingly broad application of Erwin Schrodinger's thought to contemporary science and philosophy, and it does so in a stimulating, original, and thoroughly engrossing way. It is both a compelling read and a treasure house of insights on the enduring relevance of Schrodinger's singular scientific genius." - Gregory Maertz, St. John's University "For those who have read Schrodinger's lectures, I recommend this book as a sophisticated discussion of the issues he raises." - David Lorimer, Network Review

Hans Ulrich Gumbrecht is Albert Guérard 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.

Erwin Schrdinger (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 Schrdinger's thought and unfold its controversial potential. They remind us that, in addition to being a great scientist, Schrdinger 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.

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