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David Layzer

David Raymond Layzer (December 31, 1925 – August 16, 2019) was an American astrophysicist, cosmologist, and the Donald H. Menzel Professor Emeritus of Astronomy at Harvard University.[2][3][4]

Key Information

He is known for his cosmological theory of the expansion of the universe, which postulates that its order and information are increasing despite the second law of thermodynamics.[5] He is also known for being one of the most notable researchers who advocated for a Cold Big Bang theory.[6][7] When he proposed this theory in 1966, he suggested it would solve Olbers' paradox, which holds that the night sky on Earth should be much brighter than it actually is.[8] He proposed a solution to the paradox of time's arrow. The fundamental laws of physics don't distinguish positive from negative time, and yet the Second Law of Thermodynamics (and our everyday life) tell us that time "flows" in one direction.[9] He also published several articles critiquing hereditarian views on human intelligence, such as those of Richard Herrnstein and Arthur Jensen.[10][11]

He became a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences since 1963,[12] and was also a member of Divisions B and J of the International Astronomical Union.[13] He died in Belmont at the age of 93 in 2019.[14]

Bibliography

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• "Cosmogenesis - The Growth of Order in the Universe", Oxford University Press, New York, 1990, ISBN 978-0-1950-6909-0

• "Why We are Free", Anthony Aguirre and Bob Doyle, Editors, Cambridge, MA, USA, 2021, ISBN 978-0-9835-8025-6

References

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  1. ^ Layzer, David; Foundation, Gravity Research (1968). Gravitational collapse, cosmic black-body radiation, and the origin of astronomical systems. Gloucester, Mass. : Gravity Research Foundation. p. 12.
  2. ^ "Astronomy Alumni". Harvard University. Retrieved May 29, 2018.
  3. ^ "Course Lotteries". Harvard Crimson. March 3, 1983. Retrieved May 29, 2018.
  4. ^ "David Layzer". American Institute of Physics. December 5, 2007. Retrieved May 29, 2018.
  5. ^ "David Layzer - the Growth of Order in the Universe". The Information Philosopher. Retrieved May 29, 2018.
  6. ^ Siegfried, Tom (August 23, 2002). Strange Matters: Undiscovered Ideas at the Frontiers of Space and Time. Joseph Henry Press. pp. 274. ISBN 9780309500586.
  7. ^ Leonard, George (September 2009). The Silent Pulse. Gibbs Smith. p. 138. ISBN 9781423611363.
  8. ^ "Layzer Proposes Theory Explaining Why the Night Sky Is Not Bright". The Harvard Crimson. April 29, 1966. Retrieved May 29, 2018.
  9. ^ Layzer, David (1975). "The Arrow of Time" (PDF). static_scientificamerican.com. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  10. ^ "'Faked' Data Linked With Herrnstein I.Q. Research". The Harvard Crimson. October 30, 1976. Retrieved May 29, 2018.
  11. ^ Montagu, Ashley (April 19, 2001). Man's Most Dangerous Myth: The Fallacy of Race. AltaMira Press. p. 157. ISBN 9780585345482.
  12. ^ "New Members Elected 8 May 1963". Records of the Academy (American Academy of Arts and Sciences) (1962/1963): 143–150. 1962. JSTOR 3785442.
  13. ^ "David Layzer". International Astronomical Union. Retrieved May 29, 2018.
  14. ^ "David Layzer Obituary". Short, Williamson & Diamond Funeral Home. Retrieved September 11, 2019.
[edit]
  • Profile at the Information Philosopher
  • [1] David Layzer Memorial Website