This is a delightful account of one of the deepest and most fascinating explorations going on today at the frontier of our knowledge. Carlo Rovelli, bestselling author of The Order of Time and Seven Brief Lessons on Physics
Musser knows that the point of popular science is [. . .] to get a sense of whats at stake, what kinds of answers are being offered to difficult questions, and why it all matters. One could not ask more of Putting Ourselves Back in the Equationon all three counts it delivers. Julian Baggini, The Wall Street Journal
A revelatory exploration of how a theory of everything depends upon our understanding of the human mind.
The whole goal of physics is to explain what we observe. For centuries, physicists believed that observations yielded faithful representations of what is out there. But when they began to study the subatomic realm, they found that observation often interferes with what is being observedthat the act of seeing changes what we see. The same is true of cosmology: our view of the universe is inevitably distorted by observation bias. And so whether theyre studying subatomic particles or galaxies, physicists must first explain consciousnessand for that they must turn to neuroscientists and philosophers of mind.
Neuroscientists have painstakingly built up an understanding of the structure of the brain. Could this help physicists understand the levels of self-organization they observe in other systems? These same physicists, meanwhile, are trying to explain how particles organize themselves into the objects around us. Could their discoveries help explain how neurons produce our conscious experience?
Exploring these questions and more, George Musser tackles the extraordinary interconnections between quantum mechanics, cosmology, human consciousness, and artificial intelligence. Combining vivid descriptive writing with portraits of scientists working on the cutting edge, Putting Ourselves Back in the Equation shows how theories of everything depend on theories of mindand how they might be one and the same.
Embark on a groundbreaking intellectual journey with "Putting Ourselves Back in the Equation: Why Physicists Are Studying Human Consciousness and AI to Unravel the Mysteries of the Universe" by acclaimed science writer George Musser. This captivating hardcover explores the astonishing and increasingly vital intersection of physics, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence, revealing how our understanding of consciousness is becoming central to unlocking the deepest secrets of the cosmos. For centuries, physics operated under the assumption that observation provided a clear, unbiased window into reality. However, the advent of quantum mechanics shattered this paradigm, demonstrating that the act of observation fundamentally alters the observed. This realization has profound implications, not only for the study of subatomic particles but also for cosmology, where observer bias shapes our perception of the universe. Musser argues compellingly that a true "theory of everything" cannot ignore the role of the observer the conscious mind itself. "Putting Ourselves Back in the Equation" dives deep into the cutting-edge research that bridges the gap between the seemingly disparate fields of physics and neuroscience. Musser meticulously examines how neuroscientists are unraveling the intricate architecture of the brain, seeking to understand the very mechanisms of consciousness. He then explores how this knowledge could inform our understanding of self-organization in physical systems, from the behavior of particles to the formation of galaxies. Conversely, he investigates how discoveries in physics, particularly in quantum mechanics and complexity theory, might shed light on the emergence of conscious experience from neural activity. Musser's exploration extends to the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence, questioning whether the creation of conscious AI could provide a new lens through which to understand both the human mind and the universe. He grapples with the philosophical and ethical implications of artificial consciousness, considering the potential for AI to not only mimic but also expand our understanding of reality. What sets this book apart is Musser's remarkable ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible and engaging prose. He masterfully weaves together vivid descriptions of scientific experiments, insightful analyses of theoretical frameworks, and intimate portraits of the scientists pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Readers will encounter the brilliant minds grappling with these fundamental questions and witness the intellectual sparks that fly as they collaborate across disciplines. George Musser, renowned for his ability to make intricate scientific ideas accessible and thought-provoking, takes readers on a captivating journey through the latest breakthroughs and the profound implications of this emerging field. His previous works have established him as a leading voice in science communication, and "Putting Ourselves Back in the Equation" is poised to be his most significant contribution yet. He masterfully navigates the intricate landscape of quantum mechanics, cosmology, neuroscience, and AI, offering a compelling vision of how these seemingly disparate fields are converging to revolutionize our understanding of the universe and our place within it. Reviews of "Putting Ourselves Back in the Equation" have been overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising Musser's clarity, depth of knowledge, and ability to connect seemingly unrelated concepts. Carlo Rovelli, author of "The Order of Time," hails it as "a delightful account of one of the deepest and most fascinating explorations going on today at the frontier of our knowledge." Julian Baggini of The Wall Street Journal commends Musser for providing a clear sense of what's at stake and why it all matters. This meticulously researched and beautifully written book is essential reading for anyone interested in the future of physics, the nature of consciousness, and the profound implications of artificial intelligence. "Putting Ourselves Back in the Equation" is not just a book about science; it's a book about what it means to be human in an increasingly complex and interconnected universe. Prepare to have your assumptions challenged and your understanding of reality forever altered. With 336 pages packed with groundbreaking ideas, this hardcover edition, published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux in 2023, promises to be a cornerstone of scientific literature for years to come.
