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9780198236221

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`This wide-ranging book is McCall's most complete elaboration and defense of his long-held branching model of the universe, according to which the past and present of the universe at any time consists of a single space-time manifold (represented as the trunk of a tree) while the future at that time consists of a multiplicity of space-time manifolds (represented as the tree's branches) ... McCall's defense of his thesis is elegantly and concisely written, clear in its organization and development, and impressive in its scope' William Lane Craig, International Philosophical Quarterly `McCall's candour and integrity as an arguer are not less impressive and engaging than his ingenuity and tenacity. His book abounds with fresh theories and perspectives ... McCall's novel treatment of free choice .. is scholarly and inventive.' Times Literary Supplement 'presents the most coherent and fully worked-out account of the universe that takes seriously indeterminism and the dynamic nature of time ... McCall's branching-tree model is the best altnerative version yet to be produced, and will occasion mcuh discussion and dispute in metaphysics and the philosophy of logic ... his discussion of quantum mechanics is well-informed and illuminating ... McCall has managed to put forward in a clear, well-argued and accessible form a vision of the world which accords with quantum mechanics and does justice to many of our deepest intuitions, and within that setting has acounted for many other fundamental concepts - cause, identity and choice, among others - in a stimulating and illuminating way. It is a must for every philosophical library, and any philosopher who is serious about metaphysics or interested in contemporary topics in philosophical logic.' R. J.R. Lucas, International Studies in the Philosophy of Science, 8:3 `His handling of the problems is invariably illuminating and exciting ... Of the many topics with which McCall deals, the most interesting is that of human decision. He delineates with exceptional clarity the way in which a free decision has to occupy a niche lying between rigid deteminism on one hand and blind chance on the other ... McCall's arguments ... open our eyes to the very real cosmic role for humanity.' The Scientific and Medical Network `Storrs McCall has written a brilliantly original book ... McCall has a good background not only in logic and mathematics but also in physics, and a gift for lucid exposition ... It is in its way a real intellectual tour de force. McCall's approach is commendably undogmatic ... Even those who like me cannot accept his theory should admire the book, and will learn a lot by working through it.' Australian Journal of Philosophy `McCall's style of writing is lucid and pointed - in general, very pleasant to read. ... the model is an interesting and impressive proposal that merits further investigation.' The Philosophical Review, vol.104, no.4, October 1995 `Storrs McCall's book offers the best current theory of the objective flow of time.' Graham Nerlich, Australasian Journal of Philosophy `This is an ambitious book ... McCall's development and use of the model is indeed highly enlightening ... In sum, the book systematically develops an important model of the universe for a wide range of philosophical issues. It is clearly and elegantly written, cogently argued, and contains lots of discussion of competing views. It should be read by everyone with interests in the issues addressed.' MIND

<br> This wide-ranging book is McCall's most complete elaboration and defense of his long-held branching model of the universe....McCall's defense of his thesis is elegantly and concisely written, clear in its organization and development, and impressive in its scope. --International Philosophical Quarterly<br> Storrs McCall's book offers the best current theory of the objective flow of time --Australasian Journal of Philosophy<br>

This wide-ranging book is McCall's most complete elaboration and defense of his long-held branching model of the universe....McCall's defense of his thesis is elegantly and concisely written, clear in its organization and development, and impressive in its scope. --International Philosophical Quarterly<br> Storrs McCall's book offers the best current theory of the objective flow of time --Australasian Journal of Philosophy<br>

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