Cosmogenesis

In Cosmogenesis David Layzer starts from two fundamental principles, and develops a wide ranging world view which encompasses quantum theory, cosmology, evolution and the philosophy of mind. The first principle is that an suitably infinite system may seem to be random on small scales, but in total may be thought of as not being random at all. Thue second is that emergent properties of systems should be thought of as being something new, rather than taking the reductionist view that such properties are latent in the underlying system.

In the first part of the book Layzer shows how these principles can be used to tackle the interpretation of quantum theory, and in particular the measurement problem. He then goes on to present his (cold) alternative to the Hot Big Bang, although I would say that progress in this area since the book was written has supported the standard view. In the later parts of the book Layzer applies his ideas to the problems of sorting out randomness from purpose in evolution and to the nature of the mind, including our development of language. The book is written for the non-technical reader, with plenty of helpful explanations of the topics covered. You may not agree with everything that Layzer has to say, but I feel that the book is worth reading for the thought-provoking ideas it raises.