The Trouble with Physics, 9780618918683
Paperback
With clarity, passion, and authority, renowned theoretical physicist Smolin charts the rise and fall of string theory and takes a fascinating look at what will replace it.

The Trouble with Physics

The Rise of String Theory, the Fall of a Science, and What Comes Next

$56.85

  • Paperback

    416 pages

  • Release Date

    4 September 2007

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Summary

In this illuminating book, the renowned theoretical physicist Lee Smolin argues that fundamental physics – the search for the laws of nature – is losing its way. Smolin offers an unblinking assessment of string theory and encourages a new direction for where the next big idea may lead. Ambitious ideas about extra dimensions, exotic particles, multiple universes, and strings have captured the public’s imagination – and the imagination of experts. But these ideas have not been …

Book Details

ISBN-13:9780618918683
ISBN-10:061891868X
Author:Lee Smolin
Publisher:Mariner Books
Imprint:Mariner Books
Format:Paperback
Number of Pages:416
Edition:1st
Release Date:4 September 2007
Weight:435g
Dimensions:209mm x 161mm x 27mm
What They're Saying

Critics Review

“Lee Smolin provides a much needed, enlightening and engagingly written antidote to string-theory hype.” –David Deutsch, Oxford University, author of The Fabric of Reality

“If you want to think in new ways about the interconnected universe around you, read Lee Smolin’s provocative, inspiring book.” –Margaret Geller, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Harvard University

“Bold, provocative, and, best of all, a joy to read.” –Evelyn Fox Keller, Professor of the History and Philosophy of Science, MIT

“Smolin tells the somber tale of contemporary physics with virtuosity, passion, and courage.” –Joy Christian, Oxford University

“An uncommonly clear and confident account of the great obstacles–and opportunities–facing physics today… .engrossing and illuminating.” –Tim Ferris, author of Coming of Age in the Milky Way and The Big Shebang

”[Smolin] exudes a love of science and imagination, and a faith in the next generation of young physicists.” –Jaron Lanier, computer scientist and columnist for Discover

“Lee Smolin is keeping his eyes open, asks sharp questions, and offers his delightful insights as a critical insider.” –Gerard ’t Hooft, Nobel Laureate, University of Utrecht

“[Smolin’s] knowledge of [string theory] enables him to tell the story, and survey the road ahead, with clarity and grace.” –Neal Stephenson, author of Snow Crash, Cryptonomicon, and Quicksilver

“Lee Smolin’s understanding of theoretical physics is unusually broad and deep, and his critical judgments are exceptionally penetrating.” –Roger Penrose, author of The Road to Reality and The Emperor’s New Mind

“Lee Smolin has written an epic story with great energy and characteristic passion… .Thrilling.” –Janna Levin, Barnard College of Columbia University, author of How the Universe Got Its Spots

“Clear, lively, and continuously interesting…Reading it is a very exciting experience and just what is needed at this time.” –Kim Stanley Robinson, best-selling author of The Mars Trilogy

“Smolin offers a compelling argument… This is a well-written, critical profile of the theoretical physics community.” Library Journal Starred

About The Author

Lee Smolin

LEE SMOLIN is a theoretical physicist who has made influential contributions to the search for a unification of physics. He is a founding faculty member of the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. He is the author of several books including TheTrouble with Physics, Einstein’s Unfinished Revolution, The Singular Universe and the Reality of Time, Time Reborn, Three Roads to Quantum Gravity, and The Life of the Cosmos.

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