Fashion, faith and fantasy in the new physics of the universe


Roger Penrose
Bok Engelsk 2016
Utgitt
Princeton : Princeton Univ. Press , 2016
Omfang
XVI, 501 s. : ill.
Opplysninger
"Penrose addresses misconceptions about the scientific process by considering how fashion, faith, and fantasy affect scientific work. He explores these influences in three major areas of physics. First, the author examines how fashion has powered much of the interest and funding for string theory. He offers a convincing argument that the persistence of this area of study must to some degree be credited to fashion. Second, he considers the dogmatic way in which quantum mechanical solutions are applied. Here, Penrose considers this foundational theory of physics and shows well how it is followed with an almost religious faith. Finally, the models of the early universe are considered with respect to the fantastic explanations of how the cosmos began. The most impressive part of the book is Penrose's discussion of his own approach to physics. He readily confesses and gives examples of how his own studies are influenced by fashion, faith, and fantasy. Certainly, the strength of this book is how the reader can appreciate science as a human undertaking. Though mathematics is used, appendixes give brief introductions, and a patient reader should be able to follow the arguments."
Dewey
530
ISBN
9780691119793

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