Seeking Ultimates

2. Auflage 1999
ISBN: 978-0-7503-0657-7
Verlag: CRC Press

Buch, Englisch, 326 Seiten, Format (B × H): 139 mm x 215 mm, Gewicht: 458 g

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.

Zielgruppe

Professional Practice & Development

Autoren/Hrsg.

Landsberg, Peter T.

Fachgebiete

• Naturwissenschaften Physik Physik Allgemein Theoretische Physik, Mathematische Physik, Computerphysik
• Naturwissenschaften Physik Physik Allgemein Geschichte der Physik
• Naturwissenschaften Physik Physik Allgemein Experimentalphysik

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Introduction. There is no free lunch. Temperature and energy: science for the environment. Painting by numbers - elements and particles: science as prediction. Why you cannot unscramble an egg. Time and entropy: science and the unity of knowledge. How the butterfly caused the tornado - chaos and life: science as synthesis. Now you see it, now you don't - quantum theory: science and the invention of concepts. The galactic highway - cosmology: science as history. Weirdness or purity - mathematics: science as numbers. The last question: does God exist? Love of my life: science as human activity. References. Glossary. Index.

Über Autor(innen)

Peter T Landsberg is Emeritus Professor of Physics at the University of Southampton, UK. He is well known for his research into semiconductor theory and has published widely. His earlier publications include Enigma of Time, also published by Institute of Physics Publishing.