Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Seeking Ultimates: An Intuitive Guide to Physics, Second Edition takes us on a journey that explores the limits of our scientific knowledge, emphasizing the gaps that are left. The book starts with everyday concepts such as temperature, and proceeds to energy, the Periodic Table, and then to more advanced ideas. The author examines the nature of time and entropy, chaos, quantum theory, cosmology, and some aspects of mathematics, confirming that our understanding is necessarily incomplete. Using references to historical figures in science as well as thought-provoking illustrations, Seeking Ultimates encourages you to consider your scientific knowledge in a new light. You will be able to reassess your belief in truths as presented (such as mathematical theorems) and to reconsider philosophical issues of theology and happiness. A comprehensive glossary explains in clear language the technical terms so that nonscientists can enjoy the text.
Synopsis
Who but a retired physics professor could create a book that combines explanations of physics concepts with philosophical discussions of happiness and scientific proofs of the existence of God? Emphasizing that our understanding is incomplete, Landsberg (emeritus physics, U. of Southhampton, UK) examines the nature of time and entropy, chaos, quantum theory, cosmology, and some aspects of mathematics. Each chapter highlights a hero of science (e.g. Count Rumford for temperature and energy and Mendeleev for elements and particles).
Synopsis
This second edition explores the limits of our scientific knowledge, emphasizing the gaps that are left. The book covers everyday concepts such as temperature, energy, the Periodic Table, and more advanced ideas. The author examines the nature of time and entropy, chaos, quantum theory, cosmology, and some aspects of mathematics, confirming that our understanding is necessarily incomplete. Using references to historical figures in science as well as thought-provoking illustrations, the book encourages you to consider your scientific knowledge in a new light. A comprehensive glossary clearly explains technical terms so that nonscientists can enjoy the text as well.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 280-293) and indexes.