The Beginning of Infinity: David Deutsch's Vision of Unlimited Progress and Infinite Possibilities (epub format)
The Beginning of Infinity by David Deutsch: A Book Review
If you are looking for a book that will challenge your assumptions, expand your horizons and inspire your imagination, you might want to check out The Beginning of Infinity by David Deutsch. This book is a provocative, imaginative and ambitious exploration of the nature and progress of knowledge, from physics to philosophy, from history to morality, from art to politics. In this book review, I will give you an overview of what the book is about, what are its main themes and arguments, what are its implications and applications, and why I think it is worth reading.
the beginning of infinity by david deutsch epub download
The main themes and arguments of the book
The central thesis of The Beginning of Infinity is that explanations have a fundamental place in the universeand that improving them is the basic regulating principle of all successful human endeavor. Deutsch argues that explanations are not just descriptions or predictions of phenomena, but rather they are accounts of how and why things are the way they are. Explanations are what enable us to understand, control and change reality.
Deutsch also argues that there are no limits to what we can eventually understand, control and achieve. He rejects the idea that there are mysteries that are inherently beyond human comprehension, or that there are problems that are inherently unsolvable. He claims that we are subject only to the laws of physics, which are comprehensible and universal. He also claims that there is no such thing as a final theory or a complete explanation, but rather there is an endless stream of ever-improving explanations that have potentially infinite reach.
Deutsch acknowledges that problems are inevitable in our quest for knowledge, but he also asserts that they are solvable. He maintains that none of the problems we face today or in the future will ever constitute an impassable barrier to progress. He also maintains that progress is not a matter of luck or destiny, but rather a matter of creativity, rationality and willingness to seek better explanations. He defines progress as the increase in our ability to achieve our preferences, whatever they may be.
The implications and applications of the book
The Beginning of Infinity has many implications and applications for various fields and domains of human activity. In this section, I will highlight some of them.
One implication of the book is that it challenges some common misconceptions and myths about science, knowledge and reality. For example, Deutsch refutes the idea that science is based on induction or empiricism, or that it is a social construct or a cultural tradition. He also refutes the idea that knowledge is subjective or relative, or that it is limited by our senses or our language. He also refutes the idea that reality is deterministic or chaotic, or that it is governed by hidden forces or principles.
Another implication of the book is that it inspires us to pursue our curiosity and improve our understanding of the world. Deutsch encourages us to ask bold and deep questions, and to seek elegant and powerful explanations. He also encourages us to test our explanations against reality, and to correct them when they are wrong. He also encourages us to explore new possibilities and opportunities, and to create new options and preferences.
A third implication of the book is that it offers a hopeful and optimistic vision of the future of humanity and civilization. Deutsch argues that we have the potential to achieve unlimited progress, both in terms of our knowledge and our well-being. He argues that we can overcome any challenge or threat that we may face, such as poverty, disease, war, environmental degradation, or even extinction. He argues that we can also create any value or goal that we may desire, such as happiness, beauty, justice, or even transcendence.
Conclusion
The Beginning of Infinity is a book that will make you think, wonder and dream. It is a book that will challenge your views, expand your horizons and inspire your imagination. It is a book that will change your perspective on the world and yourself.
If you are interested in learning more about the nature and progress of knowledge, and how it affects every aspect of our lives, I highly recommend you to read this book. You will not regret it.
FAQs about the book
Who is David Deutsch and what are his credentials?
David Deutsch is a physicist and philosopher who is best known for his pioneering work on quantum computation and quantum information theory. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society and a Visiting Professor at the University of Oxford. He is also the author of another acclaimed book, The Fabric of Reality, which explores the four deepest strands of existing knowledge: quantum physics, evolution, computation and knowledge.
What are some of the sources and influences of his ideas?
Deutsch draws on a wide range of sources and influences from various disciplines and domains, such as physics, mathematics, logic, philosophy, history, psychology, biology, computer science, art, literature, ethics and politics. Some of the thinkers that he cites or discusses include Karl Popper, Richard Feynman, Alan Turing, Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, Ludwig Wittgenstein, John Locke, Immanuel Kant, Thomas Kuhn, Friedrich Hayek and Ayn Rand.
How can I get a copy of the book in epub format?
You can get a copy of the book in epub format from various online platforms and retailers, such as Amazon Kindle Store, Google Play Books, or Penguin Random House. You can also download a free sample of the book from these sources before you buy it.
What are some other books that are similar or related to this one?
If you enjoyed The Beginning of Infinity, you might also like some of these books:
The Fabric of Reality by David Deutsch: The predecessor of The Beginning of Infinity, which explores the four deepest strands of existing knowledge: quantum physics, evolution, computation and knowledge.
The Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven Pinker: A comprehensive analysis of how violence has declined throughout history and why it will continue to do so.
The Rational Optimist by Matt Ridley: A compelling case for how human progress is driven by trade, innovation and cooperation.
The Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas Kuhn: A classic work on how science changes over time through paradigm shifts and revolutions.
The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins: A groundbreaking book on how evolution works through natural selection and gene replication.
Gödel, Escher, Bach by Douglas Hofstadter: A brilliant exploration of how self-reference and paradox arise in mathematics, art and music.
How can I learn more about the topics covered in the book?
can visit the official website of the book, where you can find more information, reviews, media and resources. You can also watch some of the lectures and interviews that Deutsch has given on YouTube, such as this one or this one. You can also join some of the online communities and forums that discuss the book and its ideas, such as this one or this one.
I hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. And if you liked this article, please share it with your friends and family. Thank you for reading!
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