Title
On Being: A Scientist's Exploration of the Great Questions of Existence,Used
Delivery time: 8-12 business days (International)
Peter Atkins is the shining exception to the rule that scientists make poor writers. A Fellow at Oxford and a leading chemist, he has won admiration for his precise, lucid, and yet rigorous explanations of science. Now he turns his forensic mind to the greatestand most controversialquestions of human existence: birth, death, the origin of reality, and its end.In On Being, Atkins makes a provocative contribution to the great debate between religion and science. Atkins makes his position clear from the very first sentence: 'The scientific method can shed light on every and any concept, even those that have troubled humans since the earliest stirrings of consciousness,' he writes. He takes a materialist approach to the great questions of being that have inspired myth and religion, seeking to 'dispel their mystery without diminishing their grandeur.' In placing scientific knowledge in such cosmic perspective, he takes us on an often dizzying tour of existence. For example, he argues that 'the substrate of existence is nothing at all.' The total electrical charge of the universe, among other things, must be nothingzerohe writes, or else the universe would have blasted itself apart. 'Charge was not created at the creation: electrical Nothing separated into equal and opposite charges.' He explores breathtaking questionsasking the purpose of the universewith wit and learning, touching on Sanskrit scriptures and John Updike along the way.
By changing our most important processes and
products, we have already made a big leap forward. This ranges from the
increased use of more sustainable fibers to the use of more
environmentally friendly printing processes to the development of
efficient waste management in our value chain.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Shipping & Returns
Shipping
We ship your order within 2–3 business days for USA deliveries and 5–8 business days for international shipments. Once your package has been dispatched from our warehouse, you'll receive an email confirmation with a tracking number, allowing you to track the status of your delivery.
Returns
To facilitate a smooth return process, a Return Authorization (RA) Number is required for all returns. Returns without a valid RA number will be declined and may incur additional fees. You can request an RA number within 15 days of the original delivery date. For more details, please refer to our Return & Refund Policy page.
Shipping & Returns
Shipping
We ship your order within 2–3 business days for USA deliveries and 5–8 business days for international shipments. Once your package has been dispatched from our warehouse, you'll receive an email confirmation with a tracking number, allowing you to track the status of your delivery.
Returns
To facilitate a smooth return process, a Return Authorization (RA) Number is required for all returns. Returns without a valid RA number will be declined and may incur additional fees. You can request an RA number within 15 days of the original delivery date. For more details, please refer to our Return & Refund Policy page.
Warranty
We provide a 2-year limited warranty, from the date of purchase for all our products.
If you believe you have received a defective product, or are experiencing any problems with your product, please contact us.
This warranty strictly does not cover damages that arose from negligence, misuse, wear and tear, or not in accordance with product instructions (dropping the product, etc.).
Warranty
We provide a 2-year limited warranty, from the date of purchase for all our products.
If you believe you have received a defective product, or are experiencing any problems with your product, please contact us.
This warranty strictly does not cover damages that arose from negligence, misuse, wear and tear, or not in accordance with product instructions (dropping the product, etc.).
Secure Payment
Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.
We accept payments with :
Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Paypal, Shopify Payments, Shop Pay and more.
Secure Payment
Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.
We accept payments with :
Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Paypal, Shopify Payments, Shop Pay and more.
Related Products
You may also like
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the main theme of 'On Being: A Scientist's Exploration of the Great Questions of Existence'? A: The main theme of the book is the exploration of fundamental questions about human existence, such as the nature of reality, birth, death, and the relationship between science and religion.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Peter Atkins, a renowned chemist and Fellow at Oxford, known for his ability to communicate complex scientific ideas clearly.
- Q: What can readers expect from the writing style of Peter Atkins? A: Readers can expect a precise, lucid, and rigorous writing style that makes complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging.
- Q: How does Atkins approach the debate between science and religion? A: Atkins takes a materialist approach, arguing that the scientific method can illuminate even the most profound questions that have traditionally been explored by religion and mythology.
- Q: What are some key topics discussed in the book? A: Key topics include the origin of reality, the purpose of the universe, and the concept of existence as described through scientific perspectives.
- Q: Is this book suitable for readers without a scientific background? A: Yes, the book is written in a way that is accessible to general readers, making it suitable for anyone interested in the philosophical implications of scientific inquiry.
- Q: What is the format and page count of the book? A: The book is a paperback edition with a total of 128 pages.
- Q: When was 'On Being' published? A: The book was published on November 8, 2012.
- Q: What kind of questions does Atkins address regarding existence? A: Atkins addresses questions such as 'What is the purpose of the universe?' and explores concepts like the nature of nothingness and the electrical charge of the universe.
- Q: Is there a specific edition of the book? A: Yes, the edition available is a reprint.