A fun and fascinating look at great scientific paradoxes.

Throughout history, scientists have come up with theories and ideas that just don't seem to make sense. These we call paradoxes. The paradoxes Al-Khalili offers are drawn chiefly from physics and astronomy and represent those that have stumped some of the finest minds. For example, how can a cat be both dead and alive at the same time? Why will Achilles never beat a tortoise in a race, no matter how fast he runs? And how can a person be ten years older than his twin?

With elegant explanations that bring the reader inside the mind of those who've developed them, Al-Khalili helps us to see that, in fact, paradoxes can be solved if seen from the right angle. Just as surely as Al-Khalili narrates the enduring fascination of these classic paradoxes, he reveals their underlying logic. In doing so, he brings to life a select group of the most exciting concepts in human knowledge. Paradox is mind-expanding fun.

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Crown Publishing Group (NY)
Published: 10/23/2012
ISBN: 9780307986795
Pages: 256
Weight: 0.47lbs
Size: 8.01h x 5.31w x 0.63d

Review Citations: Publishers Weekly 07/02/2012 pg. 54
Kirkus Reviews 10/01/2012
Library Journal 03/01/2013 pg. 42
Asimov's Science Fiction 06/01/2013 pg. 110
Choice 05/01/2013