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On The Edge By Johnjoe Mcfadden And Jim Al-Khalili

480 Words2 Pages

Life on The Edge by Johnjoe Mcfadden and Jim Al-Khalili goes into details on the idea of quantum biology. Their explanations undermine the original theories of the basis of life itself using extreme synthesis that builds throughout.

They use questions at the end of each section to help create the next block of text that goes deeper into an explanation of the original theory. For example in the end of chapter 2:
Is life , then, just a bunch of thermodynamics? When we are out on a hike, do we ascend hillside through the same processes that push steam locomotives? And is the robin’s flight not so very different from that of a cannonball? When it comes down to it, is life’s vital spark just random molecular motion? To answer this question, we need to take a closer look at the fine structure of the living. (35) …show more content…

While asking questions is usually seen as immature the author uses it to hint at the incoming conclusion of the page. The reader isn’t actually expected to answer the questions as it’s obvious they will be answered later on. Along with giving an idea of what will be touched on next without stating it directly because to better explain the subjects touched on would defeat the purpose of chapters/sections. This connects to the authors extreme use of synthesis, as to help complete their thesis they must go deeper and deeper to help the readers understand their point. Mcfadden and Al-Kahlili are able to explore what they are doing later on through indirect questions, setting the pace for the themes farther

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