FAQ
Is UP concerned only with "Tunnel Vision"?
No. But, by example, it encourages an unblinkered, wider view of our world.
Is UP a book on economics?
There is a surfeit of books on economics. Text-books, theses, books for
the general public, books in the tradition of Adam Smith on the
philosophies of economics, "Get Rich Quick" books. Conventional
theories are divided into micro-economics or macro-economics according
to their scope. There are, too, many economic forecasters, usually
making quite contradictory predictions, very few of which turn out to be
consistently correct. This is simply because the complexities and
non-linearities of the real world of human societies are too great.
In contrast, UP introduces the novel and much surer area of
mega-economics, grounded in the laws of physics. Its broader view,
while short on detail, provides much stronger predictions of gross
outcomes. Nevertheless, while this very original concept is an
important component of the theme which is developed in UP, it cannot be
said to be a "book on economics"
Is its main subject chemistry?
While
it is no way a text-book, much of the inspiration for the themes
developed is drawn from the province of chemistry. For it is only by
reference to the nature of the elements and molecular interactions that
important clues as to wider aspects of the life process are
uncovered. We cannot begin to draw a more meaningful
holistic picture of the world we experience without a general
appreciation of the patterns that emerge upon consideration of
the special characteristics of the materials of which it
is composed.
Perhaps its a book on philosophy?
UP is not overly concerned with the history of philosophy. To provide
background, however, one chapter looks at a variety of philosophies and
a creative, practical (though often counter-intuitive) approach which
is essentially based in the sciences predominates thereon. So in this
sense, yes, it is a philosophical work.
Does UP predict the future?
Unfortunately the author can't afford a decent crystal ball. Instead he
has had to resort to the use of gross (more reliable) trends. A strong
exponential pattern emerges which, when given due weight, gives
predictions which are both unexpected and bizarre. It is suggested that
there is good evidence that a new carbon-based ("but not as we know
it") life-form will emerge on this planet very shortly. Again, this is
hard to believe intuitively, but this is simply because of the
way the more instinctive part of our minds happen to work. If you have
looked at the checkerboard illusion on the "Mind" page you
will be
better able to relate to this idea.
Is this a humourous book?
There are some embedded puns and some slightly tongue in cheek
passages, to be sure, as well as a highly joke-related section. Having
said that, I'll pass!
Does "Unusual Perspectives" promote any particular religious belief?
No. It is essentially a secular work. However it does try to provide
bridges to which those of the various faiths can perhaps relate.
Does UP take any political stance?
No. It is politically neutral. In fact it predicts that politics will
soon have very little relevance. While the possibility of achieving a
situation which some readers (but not the author) interpret as an
utopia is suggested, this would not arise as the result of any
political process. Rather, by just siezing an opportunity to become
successful symbiotes.http://www.unusual-perspectives.net/pickle.html
Are the ideas expressed in UP anthropocentric?
Certainly not! Anthropocentrism is strongly disavowed in this book.
Will I receive FREE STEAK KNIVES if I purchase "Unusual Perspectives"?
Unfortunately this offer was carefully planned to expire prior to the date of publication!
But if we achieve the benign symbiosis mentioned above you might just get them anyway.
So what IS "Unusual Perspectives" all about?
Shoes and ships and sealing wax, cabbages and kings. Life, the Universe and Everything.
More specifically, an entirely new kind of rough and ready survival guide for our species..