Universe, Human Species, Reality: A Physicalist Approach [Hardcover]

The book?describes the functioning of the material universe with the use of an intermediate mathematical language and?is based entirely on physical phenomena, on reality, and does not use philosophical or theological argumentation based on abstract reasoning not anchored in physical observations.?

Preface vii

Chapter 1 Introduction 1

Chapter 2 The Universe 4

2.1 A Short Trip Through the Universe 5

2.2 Physical Interactions Within the Universe 12

2.2.1 Gravitational Interaction 12

2.2.2 Electromagnetic Interaction 12

2.2.3 Strong Nuclear Interaction 13

2.2.4 Weak Nuclear Interaction 13

2.3 Physics Behind All That 13

2.3.1 Reality of the World 14

2.3.2 Our Tools 16

2.3.3 Our Goal 18

2.3.4 Minimum Energy and the Concept of Equilibrium 29

2.3.5 Conservation of Energy 30

2.3.6 An Astonishing General Principle; the Least Action Principle 33

2.3.7 Mechanical Energy 44

2.3.8 Internal Energy 44

2.3.9 Heat 45

2.3.10 Some Other Forms of Energy 46

2.3.11 Some Other Conservation Laws 47

2.3.12 Limits in Energy Exchanges: The Concept of Entropy 48

Chapter 3 Human Species 100

3.1 Our Body 101

3.1.1 Living Cells 103

3.1.2 Dynamics and Functions of Cells 115

3.1.3 Homo sapiens Brain and Mental Activities 128

3.2 Life, Origin, and Evolution 150

3.2.1 A Resume of the History of the Universe 150

3.2.2 On the Origin of Life 152