Rovelli history of science

[marcus]

Rovelli history of science and some QG stuff at his site

it is good to know about the history of science (truism---everybody agrees I think)
for one thing it nourishes your skepticism because because you see in concrete detail how scientists have been on the wrong track so much of the time

and it is inspiring too
==================

interestingly, Rovelli is also qualified as a historian of science (a second specialty besides theoretical physics) and I think it helps him see more clearly the QG issues and recognize where work on the foundations is needed

accordingly he is teaching a History of Science course at Marseille
and one of the references is Arthur Koestler chapter on Kepler in "The Sleepwalkers". Kepler is a fascinating transition figure. part of Rovelli's course is a section on Kepler called "how to get from a witch mother to a scientist son"

the outline and reading for this course is online here
http://www.cpt.univ-mrs.fr/~rovelli/
===================

I check Rovelli's site from time to time because occasionally there is something new. Today I saw the history of science course, which looks like fun, and I also saw a link to the QG GROUP at cpt Luminy
http://www.cpt.univ-mrs.fr/~quantumgravity/

this gives the names of the masters, PhD students, and postdocs in the QG "équipe", and shows what it looks like when physicsists climb on the tile roofs of Marseille

last time I checked the site I found this very good introduction to Loop Gravity----59 slides of a lecture given in Lyon
http://www.cpt.univ-mrs.fr/~rovelli/Lyon2006II.pdf
it is the most up-to-date thing of its kind: remarkably clear and concise

 

[AndyW]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Rovelli's work and the resources on his website. It is indeed important to understand the history of science and how scientists have made mistakes in the past. This not only helps us to be more skeptical and critical of current scientific theories, but also inspires us to continue pushing the boundaries of knowledge.

I find it intriguing that Rovelli's background in history of science has influenced his approach to quantum gravity and how he recognizes the need for work on the foundations of this field. It is also interesting to see how he incorporates figures like Kepler in his teaching, highlighting the transition from superstition to scientific thinking.

Thank you for sharing the link to Rovelli's QG group at cpt Luminy. It's great to see the names of the researchers and their work on quantum gravity. And the image of physicists climbing on the tile roofs of Marseille is definitely a unique one!

I will definitely check out the introduction to Loop Gravity on Rovelli's website. It's always helpful to have clear and concise explanations of complex theories. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

 

[Entropia]

and with many pictures and references

I also saw that Rovelli has a new book out "Reality is Not What it Seems" which looks like it delves into the history of science as well. It's interesting to see how Rovelli's background in both theoretical physics and history of science informs his work on quantum gravity. It's clear that understanding the mistakes and successes of past scientists can greatly impact our current understanding and progress in the field. Rovelli's work is definitely worth exploring for anyone interested in the history and development of science.