Three Roads to Quantum Gravity: A New Understanding of Space, Time and the Universe (SCIENCE MASTERS) - Softcover

Smolin, Lee

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0753812614 ISBN 13: 9780753812617

Publisher: Phoenix, 2001

Synopsis

The Holy Grail of modern physics is the search for a 'quantum gravity' view of the universe that unites Einstein's general relativity with quantum theory. Until recently, these two foundational pillars of modern science have seemed incompatible: relativity deals exclusively with the universe at the large scale (planets, solar systems and galaxies), whereas quantum theory is restricted to the domain of the very small (molecules, atoms, electrons). Here, Lee Smolin provides the first accessible overview of current attempts to reconcile these two theories. Some of these approaches view the world as a hologram; others hold that basic particles must be string-like; others still draw on the physics of black holes.
Smolin believes that each of these different approaches may be partially right, although he contends that none on its own is likely to be the whole truth. Nevertheless, he says, there are signs that they are beginning to converge on a final theory. Written with wit and style, Three Roads to Quantum Gravity provides a brief introduction to modern concepts of space and time. It touches on some of the deepest questions about the nature of the universe - are space and time continuous or infinitely divisible? Is there a limit to how small things can be?; while speculating on what developments we can expect at the frontiers of physics in the twenty-first century.

About this title

Review:

As footballers talk of the double, or statesmen dream of Middle East peace, so physicists conceive of "Quantum Gravity". This proposed wedding of the two main strands of modern physics in one Grand Unified Theory is at once the scientists' major goal, and ultimate prize.

Rather like the Middle East, however, the problem of Quantum Gravity has usually appeared intractable: reconciling the macrocosmic with the microcosmic being just too tricky. But now comes Lee Smolin, American academic and author of The Life of the Cosmos, to describe, in direct and lucid prose, how that unhappy situation may be changing. Smolin's well-argued thesis is that one day soon we will see tabled, and accepted, a single overarching Theory of Everything.

Not that Smolin finesses the difficulties. As he deftly and firmly guides the reader through the intricacies of relativity, string theory and black hole thermodynamics, among other even more recondite disciplines, some of which might prove a little challenging for the less enthusiastic layman, he takes pains to emphasise the hurdles to be jumped, the knots to be untied. Still, though, his scientific self-belief abides: this impressively confident and self-assured book ends with the ringing words "In the 21st Century Quantum Gravity will be taught to high school students all over the world". --Sean Thomas

Review:

"Lee [Smolin] is a brilliant, original thinker."--Roger Penrose

"[Smolin] argues lucidly and effectively that physicists should pause to reevaluate exactly what they mean when they use the words 'space' and 'time.' This is a deeply philosophical work."--New York Times Books Review

"A mix of science, philosophy, and science fiction, [this] is at once entertaining, thought-provoking, fabulously ambitious, and fabulously speculative."--New York Times

"This is real twenty-first century science."--Allen Lane, Independent

About this edition

• Publisher: Phoenix
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0753812614
• ISBN 13: 9780753812617
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 240