Synopses & Reviews
The Holy Grail of modern physics is the search for a theory of "quantum gravity." It is a search for a view of the universe that unites two seemingly opposing pillars of modern science: Einstein's theory of general relativity, which deals with large-scale phenomena (planets, solar systems and galaxies), and quantum theory, which deals with the world of the very small (molecules, atoms, electrons). In Three Roads to Quantum Gravity, cosmologist and science writer Lee Smolin provides the first concise and accessible overview of current attempts to reconcile these two theories in a final "theory of everything." Other books and articles have painted an incomplete picture by exposing only one of the different approaches, including string theory and loop quantum gravity. Here is the closest anyone has ever come to devising a completely new theory of space, time, and the universe to replace the Newtonian ideas that were the foundation of all science until the beginning of the twentieth century.
Review
"[Smolin] argues lucidly and effectively ...This is a deeply philosophical work." New York Times Book Review
Review
"[Smolin] offers a tour by a skilled teacher through some of the boldest and most beautiful ideas of modern science...Fortunately, Smolin has a talent for explaining the core ideas behind the bewildering details...[I]n mapping out the current intellectual terrain in this area of physics and philosophy, Smolin writes with impressive clarity. Threee Roads to Quantum Gravity offers an excellent overview of fascinating ideas that may indeed lead and quite soon to such a unified theory." Mark Buchanan, Guardian (London)
Synopsis
In "Three Roads to Quantum Gravity", science writer Smolin provides a overview of various physics theories into a final "theory of everything". 40 illustrations.
Synopsis
From one of the World's most distinguished scientsits, an elegant and concise presentation of the controversial ideas behind quantum gravity
About the Author
Lee Smolin, Professor of Physics at the Center for Gravitational Physics and Geometry at Pennsylvania State University, is a visiting professor at the Imperial College, London, through spring 2001. A leading contributor to the search for a unification of quantum theory, cosmology, and relativity, he is the author of The Life of the Cosmos.