The sociology of physics: Gravity's Shadow

CarlB

It's not everyday that I find an 864 page book hard to put down, but I've been really engrossed in Harry Collins' book on gravity waves (theory and experiment) titled "Gravity's Shadow":

http://www.amazon.com/Gravitys-Shado.../dp/0226113787

Part of this is because I took two classes from Joe Weber, but mostly this is because of his fascinating insight into the sociology of physics. The difference between why people believe things and what they write down in their papers. What a game!

If anyone thinks that the foundations of physics are not well defended, think again.

Kea

Sounds interesting, Carl. If I see a copy somewhere I'll make sure to steal/borrow it.

robphy

He recently gave an interesting seminar on "Interactional expertise"
http://google.com/search?q=%22Intera...l+expertise%22
using his interactions with the gravity wave community. If I find time, I'll take a look at his book.