The Restless Clock by Jessica Riskin
A History of the Centuries-Long Argument over What Makes Living Things Tick
This book delves into the historical debate over the nature of life and the mechanistic view of living beings, tracing its evolution from the early modern period to the present. It challenges the long-standing notion that machines and organisms are fundamentally different, arguing instead for a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between mechanics and life. Through a detailed examination of philosophical, scientific, and technological developments, the work explores how ideas about automata and mechanical models have influenced and been influenced by evolving concepts of nature, life, and intelligence. The narrative weaves together stories of inventors, philosophers, and scientists who have contributed to the development of this complex discourse, offering a compelling argument for rethinking the boundaries between the animate and the inanimate.
The 12613th greatest book of all time
- Published
- 2016
- Nationality
- American
- Length
- Long
- Pages
- 544
- Original Language
- English
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- Alternate Titles
- None
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This book is on the following 1 lists:
- The New Canon: What’s the Most Influential Book of the Past 20 Years? (The Chronicle of Higher Education)