Evan Harris Walker

[Mudhammam]

So now I'm in the middle of chapter 10 in this Walker book. For the most part thus far, the book read like popular science. He went into a brief history of physics since Newton, focusing primarily on the great thinkers of the 20th century, some of their experiments, the EPR Paradox, John Bell's theorem, etc. As he transitioned from Bell's experiments to the following chapter, this is when he began to lose me. He's absolutely sure that Bell "ripped" a hole in the "fabric" of materialism, or more succinctly, "objective reality." From this he goes into the topic of consciousness and...Zen Buddhism, how all objects "out there" are actually "me" because they're all within my consciousness. I appreciate the insights into Buddhism (though from a physicist, which Walker is, it's a little underwhelming). And I mostly enjoy his insights in thinking about consciousness, especially his ability to paint a vivid image with words. From Buddhism he shifts into discussion over the monism-dualism debate within philosophy of the so-called mind-body problem, highlighting Churchland, Wittgenstein, and Gilbert Ryle's "ghost," which Walker seems to think has something to do with quantum physics. This is where I'm at right now. Anyway, my expectations for the book are quickly waning. I took a peek at some online reviews and glanced at the last chapter...I think it's going to end up at the Christian god. How I can only guess. I'll keep updating as I read along.