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Title: The End of Physics: The Myth of a Unified Theory by David Lindley ISBN: 0-465-01976-5 Publisher: Basic Books Pub. Date: 01 August, 1994 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $18.00 |
Average Customer Rating: 3.83 (6 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: I actually read this book
Comment: My opinion of this book is quite different from some of the other reviewers. This book is neither a skeptical anti-science nor bizarre anti-Mormon rant. Rather, by considering the history of particle physics and cosmology Lindley shows again and again that scientific theories are only myths at best, unless they are backed up with solid emperical evidence. This evidence comes via experiments.
Lindley does not say a "Theory of Everything" is impossible, he simply states that if a "Theory of Everthing" is going to have any meaning, it must be testable through emperical experiments, just like any other theory which science accepts as the best explaination of a given phenomena.
In other words, hard work and imagination have gotten science this far and it needs to be applied again in this particular endeavor. There are no shortcuts. Though the book is probably a little dated now, it still provides an excellent format for one to recieve an introduction to particle physics and cosmology. I really enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
Rating: 5
Summary: Who says physics can't be a page-turner?
Comment: Are the cosomologists correct, or is it the particle physicists? Does quantum theory really invalidate Einstein's deterministic universe? Is the concept of a 26-dimensional universe credible, or are we as enamored with numerology as those in times of yore? Can science provide us with more than a myth about the creation of the universe? Each new discovery seems to beg more questions.
The essence of this book is the tension that Lindley so magically captures--the tension between ideas, between scientists, and between philosophies. Lindley enthusiastically relates the drama; he catches the spirit and the excitement of discovery, as well as anxiety over some difficult unknowns.
This book is a thrilling ride through some of the most captivating intellectual territory of the 20th century. Do not be put off by the complex nature of the subject matter; this is one of the most accessible science books that I have read. The energy of the ideas certainly outweighs the challenges presented by the difficult subject matter.
This book is a great read for passionate learners.
Rating: 4
Summary: The Physics of Reality vs. The Physics of Religion
Comment: Lindley's fine summary of the current state of physics mentions organized religion a few times. He says that "simplicity is the religion of cosmology."
After living the life of an orthodox Mormon for forty years until leaving the fold permanently five years ago I am now comparing my old religion to just another "theory of everything."
At least Lindley is free to question and scrutinize his fellow scientists. But in religion there is no check and balance system for reality.
For instance Mormonism teaches that the planet named Kolob is the center of universe and domicile of God. This absurd claim is treated with religious fervor in the same as many scientific theories are held sacred and special.
From Lindley I learned that skepticism is healthy and that we have a long long way to go before we really start understanding the universe and ourselves in it. Fascinating read.
One things seems for sure. We don't know.
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Title: Degrees Kelvin: A Tale of Genius, Invention, and Tragedy by David Lindley ISBN: 0309090733 Publisher: Joseph Henry Press Pub. Date: 01 March, 2004 List Price(USD): $27.95 |
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Title: Where Does the Weirdness Go?: Why Quantum Mechanics Is Strange, but Not As Strange As You Think by David Lindley ISBN: 0465067867 Publisher: Basic Books Pub. Date: 01 April, 1997 List Price(USD): $18.00 |
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Title: Boltzmanns Atom: The Great Debate That Launched A Revolution In Physics by David Lindley ISBN: 0684851865 Publisher: Free Press Pub. Date: 01 January, 2001 List Price(USD): $24.00 |
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Title: The Book Nobody Read: Chasing the Revolutions of Nicolaus Copernicus by Owen Gingerich ISBN: 0802714153 Publisher: Walker & Company Pub. Date: 01 January, 2004 List Price(USD): $25.00 |
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