Has the Meaning of Nothing Changed?

At Slate, Ron Rosenbaum reviews Why Does the World Exist? by Jim Holt.

In the book, Holt claims "a precise definition of nothingness: a closed spacetime of zero radius. This is the most complete and utter nothingness that scientific concepts can capture. It is mathematically devoid not only of stuff but also of location and duration.”

(via Arts & Letters Daily)

Have It Your Way

Daniel Menaker reviews Free Will, by Sam Harris.

His absolutist position, I should add, because, as he puts it near the beginning of the book: 'Free will is an illusion. ...'

...

...if you want to acquaint yourself with the chapbook basics of this essential argument, Free Will is a good, cogent and readable . . . um, choice.