Gardner’s Whys & Wherefores
Gardner’s Whys & Wherefores by Martin Gardner is a new collection published by Oxford University Press in 1990, featuring 272 pages in English. This book presents a series of essays and reviews that delve into various topics, including the puzzles found in James Joyce’s Ulysses and the imaginative works of authors such as Ray Bradbury and H.G. Wells. Gardner shares his insights on subjects ranging from the “anthropic principle” to the complexities of computer programs that can uncover scientific laws.
Readers will find a diverse exploration of ideas, including Gardner’s thoughts on the philosophy of W.V. Quine and Marvin Minsky’s theories regarding the mind. The collection also addresses intriguing concepts such as the hidden digits in pi and the ongoing quest of physicists to understand the universe. Notably, one of the essays features a review from the New York Review of Books, where Gardner critiques his own previous work under a pseudonym. This edition offers a rich tapestry of literary and philosophical reflections, making it a valuable addition for those interested in literary collections and essays.
Official synopsis Publisher
This latest collection of Gardner’s essays and reviews includes articles on the puzzles in James Joyce’s Ulysses and on the fantasies of Ray Bradbury, Arthur C.Clarke, Lord Dunsany, Gilbert Chesterton, and H.G.Wells. Gardner expresses opinions about the “anthropic principle”, computer programs capable of discovering scientific laws, the philosophy of W.V.Quine, Marvin Minsky’s view of how the mind works, the idiosyncrasies of Allan Bloom, the reality of unknown digits that “sleep” in pi, and whether physicists are really on the verge of discovering everything. A highlight of the book is a review from the “New York Review of Books” in which Gardner, using a pseudonym, blasted his own book “The Whys of a Philosophical Scrivener”.
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