The Trouble With Physics: The Rise Of String Theory, The Fall Of A Science And What Comes Next (2008) - Plot & Excerpts
I've recently recognised my superb eagerness to review bad books in contrast to this almost magical tendency to be stunned speechless by a good one. So given that I've avoided writing a review for this for almost 1.5 months, it's quite obvious how far in the latter category this book was to me.That being said, I've mostly forgotten most of the technical discussions in this book, though a lot of what was said has somehow managed to filter down into my subconscious, enough for a rough understanding the state of theoretical physics today.************So Smolin sees these physics' great unsolved problems:1. Quantum Gravity: Uniting quantum mechanics with general relativity2. Making some (actual) sense of quantum mechanics3. Unification: Explaining all the particles and forces under one banner4. Explaining the values of the free constants in the standard model5. Explaining the presence of "dark matter" and "dark energy". Before reading this book I heard many positive reviews from my friends, and having finished it I'm not disappointed. Not only does it give a very interesting history of the ideas of unification in physics (I did my project work in the UK on the original Kaluza Klein Theory), but also gives a glimpse of the community doing the science. Belief in what you do is necessary to do a good job, but belief can also backfire and become blind. This is most likely what has happened to String theory, that has had unfortunate repercussions for alternative theroies such as loop quantum gravity, twistors, and other visionary ideas. On top of this, Smolin also rightly critizises Universities to encourage "standard" Science and discourage visionaries from positions and jobs. This is a much more serious development and is (among other things) an effect of Big Science as Just Any Job, subject to tests, evaluations, peers, making a career for tenure, etc. I see this in my own country where scientists with original ideas have a hard time surviving in a bureaucratic tangle of committies, evaluations, politically correct research grant applications and heavy teaching burdens. I think the most interesting research these days come from hightech companies, and independent research insititutes like the Perimeter Institute and Santa Fe Institute for non-linear science, to mention a few. If I was financially independent with more brains than I actually have, I would open an institute like that. The research topic? Building artificial minds and trying to understand human and animal intelligence and cognition. And having a lot of fun at work without red tape getting in your way, which is what science and exploring the world is really about.
What do You think about The Trouble With Physics: The Rise Of String Theory, The Fall Of A Science And What Comes Next (2008)?
Why I Am Reading This Book: It got a very positive review from someone I follow on Goodreads.
—ALCOZARJR
Read Manny's Review. It sums it up and helps non-physicist put the book in perspective.
—ziquapix
Very important book. Opened my eyes to the mistakes science can make.
—Selena
I needed more math for this one. Still accessible enough to hold you.
—sydneyy13
