In the ancient world philosophical issues dominated cosmology. In the Middle Ages theological issues ranked foremost. In recent times astronomy and the physical sciences have taken over. Yet every attempt to grasp the true nature of the universe creates a new mask. In every age people have pitied the universes of their ancestors, believing that they have at last discovered the full truth. Do we now stand at the threshold of knowing everything, or have we created yet another mask, doomed to fade like all the rest? Key Features: - Provides a thought-provoking coverage of a wide range of issues in cosmology - Highly praised, the first edition won the Melcher Book Award -Discusses the scientific, philosophical and religious issues in cosmology throughout the ages Contents : Preface; Introducing the masks; Part I. Worlds in the Making : 1. The magic Universe; 2. The mythic Universe; 3. The geometric Universe; 4. The medieval Universe; 5. The infinite Universe; 6. The mechanistic Universe. Part II. The Heart Divine : 7. Dance of the atoms and waves; 8. Fabric of space and time; 9. Nearer to the hearts desire; 10. The cosmic tide; 11. Do dreams ever come true?; Part III. The Cloud of Unknowing : 12. The witch universe; 13. The spear of Archytas; 14. All that is made; 15. The cloud of unknowing; 16. Learned ignorance.
