From Eternity To Here: The Quest For The Ultimate Theory Of Time (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
This large tome covers the complete history of research into the physics of time. All of the major developments in physics are explained in detail, with arguments and counter-arguments. The facts are laid out clearly and although the author clearly identifies his positions, he allows the reader to draw his or her own conclusions. Wave function collapse, or "many worlds?" Is the arrow of time defined by entropy, or is entropy just a by-product of spacetime fluctuations? The physics of Boltzmann, Maxwell, Einstein and Wheeler form a backdrop for a sweeping overview of the current puzzles in temporal physics. We are left with the question: "What causes time to move in one direction, from past to future?" Is a theory of quantum gravity the answer? or...Everything You Wanted to Know About Entropy but Were Afraid to Ask. Apparently the fundamental laws of physics are reversible and do not need an arrow of time but entropy does. Sean Carroll explores many of the important questions in cosmology like was there really a big bang and if so what happened before it; where are we headed in this universe. As is usual for me in these types of books I start getting lost about 2/3rds of the way through. He gets into some complex cosmological theories and I suppose if I were more interested I could take my time and study them to gain a better understanding. All and all he is a very accessible writer. For those of us who are not in the sciences the book takes time to absorb.
What do You think about From Eternity To Here: The Quest For The Ultimate Theory Of Time (2010)?
This is a great book. Very clear description and lots of fun.
—TeachingTrisha
Fantastically interesting and a joy to read.
—yzzie
