For over a decade, a small group of scientists and philosophers--members
of the Mind and Life Institute--have met regularly to explore the
intersection between science and the spirit. At one of these meetings,
the themes discussed were both fundamental and profound: can physics,
chemistry, and biology explain the mystery of life? How do our
philosophical assumptions influence science and the ethics we bring to
biotechnology? And how does an ancient spiritual tradition throw new
light on these questions?
Pier Luigi Luisi not only reproduces this dramatic, cross-cultural
dialogue, in which world-class scientists, philosophers, and Buddhist
scholars develop a holistic approach to the scientific exploration of
reality, but also adds scientific background to their presentations, as
well as supplementary discussions with prominent participants and
attendees. Interviews with His Holiness the Karmapa, the Buddhist monk
Matthieu Ricard, and the actor and longtime human rights advocate
Richard Gere take the proceedings into new directions, enriching the
material with personal viewpoints and lively conversation about such
topics as the origin of matter, the properties of cells, the nature of
evolution, the ethics of genetic manipulation, and the question of
consciousness and ethics.
A keen study of character, Luisi incorporates his own amusing
observations into this fascinating dialogue, painting a very human
portrait of some of our greatest--and most intimidating--thinkers.
Deeply textured and cleverly crafted, Mind and Life is an excellent
opportunity for any reader to join in the debate surrounding this
cutting-edge field of inquiry.
