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Case Against Accident and Self-Organization by Dean L. Overman β€” book cover

Case Against Accident and Self-Organization

by Dean L. Overman, Wolfhart Pannenberg
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Overview

In this book, Dean L. Overman uses logical principles and mathematical calculations to answer the questions that have long perplexed biologists and astrophysicists: Is it mathematically possible that accidental processes caused the formation of the first form of living matter from non-living matter? Could accidental processes have caused the formation of a universe compatible with life? Are current self-organization scenarios for the formation of the first living matter plausible? Overman reviews the influence of metaphysical assumptions in logical analysis, and discusses the principles of logic applicable to these questions, examining the limitations of verbal and mathematical logic. He proceeds to demonstrate that it is mathematically impossible that accidental processes produced the first living matter. The author also examines other issues related to the creation of the universe, including Stephen Hawking's no boundary proposal, the need for a Creator as the preserving cause of the universe, and the explanations offered by the weak and strong anthropic principles.

Synopsis

In this illuminating book, Dean L. Overman uses logical principles and mathematical calculations to answer intriguing questions that have long perplexed biologists and astrophysicists.

Booknews

Overman (a lawyer) argues against the view that the origin of life and the origin of the universe can be explained as random events. He contends that it is mathematically impossible to calculate the level of data necessary for organic life in terms of random changes in pre- organic processes. He outlines the verbal and mathematical logic related to this subject, and considers the ethical implication of chance beginnings. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

About the Author, Dean L. Overman

Dean L. Overman is the senior partner in the Washington, D.C. office of Winston & Strawn, a large international law firm. He is the coauthor of several law books, the author of many law review articles on banking, commercial, corporate, tax, and securities laws, the author of a book on effective writing, and an Adjunct Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

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Editorials

Booknews

Overman (a lawyer) argues against the view that the origin of life and the origin of the universe can be explained as random events. He contends that it is mathematically impossible to calculate the level of data necessary for organic life in terms of random changes in pre- organic processes. He outlines the verbal and mathematical logic related to this subject, and considers the ethical implication of chance beginnings. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

First Things

Overman's 'brief' finds implausible the claims that life evolved from nonlife by chance and that the conditions for life in the universe are without cause. . . . As clear and straightforward an argument as one can find.

The American Enterprise

Overman's Brilliant book A Case Against Accident and Self-Organization will demonstrate to any reader that the universe we know could hardly have arisen by chance.

Philosophia Christi

...impressive work.

Reformed Review, Fall 98, Vo. 52 N0. 1 - Glenn Wyper

The author has provided an eminently readable and interesting book.

Book Reviews, March 99 - Charles E. Chaffey

The writing is very clear, with hierarchic organization of numbered sections and subsections. Overman writes for the intelligent layperson, making this fine presentation of the argument for Design accessible to a wide audience.

The Washington Times - Mona Charen

For entertainment, Mr. Overman likes to ponder the origins of life on Earth, the mysteries of quantum mechanics and the nuances of particle physics. His mastery of these fields has earned him the respect and admiration of scholars from Cambridge to Harvard.

Wolfhart Pannenberg

A valuable contribution to the discussion about the relationship between natural science and theology.

Book Details

Published
May 1, 2001
Publisher
Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Pages
272
Format
Paperback
ISBN
9780742511675

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