A question about mathematics textbooks for physicists

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the appropriate mathematical textbooks for physicists, exploring what mathematics is essential for studying physics and the differences between various mathematical methods books. Participants share their thoughts on the suitability of specific texts for different levels of physics education and the relationship between mathematical physics and physical mathematics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that physics students should prioritize studying mathematical methods books as they contain essential material for their studies.
  • There is a discussion about the lack of clarity in choosing specialized math textbooks for physics, with various titles mentioned, such as Boas, Arfken, and Penrose, each having different focuses and levels of difficulty.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about classifying Penrose's "The Road to Reality" as a mathematical methods book for beginners, suggesting it may only be suitable for those with advanced degrees in mathematics or theoretical physics.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of determining which area of physics one wants to study before selecting the corresponding mathematical background, noting that physics texts often teach necessary math concepts as well.
  • Concerns are raised about the adequacy of math education in physics programs, with one participant comparing their extensive math coursework to the content covered in Boas' book, questioning whether current students are more capable or if the curriculum has changed significantly.
  • Some participants highlight the distinction between mathematical physics and physical mathematics, referencing a review that discusses both terms separately.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the classification of certain textbooks and the best approach to learning mathematics for physics. There is no consensus on the definitive path for selecting mathematical resources or the effectiveness of current educational practices.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that opinions on textbooks are based on personal experiences and reviews, indicating a reliance on subjective assessments rather than established consensus. The discussion also reveals uncertainty regarding the definitions and distinctions between mathematical physics and physical mathematics.

  • #31
Just looked at my copy of Snider, since my nephew was going to take a class based on it.

Yup, my opinion has not changed. Readable but very pedestrian. Marsden at the same readability, is superior.

I can see why departments choose Snider. It introduces Tensor notation, a bit superficially, which is useful for engineering/physics majors.

But one can skip the tensor sections, its more of an after thought in my opinion.
 
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  • #32
The " Snider Insider" was also on the list of books with (almost) anagramed titles.
 
  • #33
bhobba said:
In my opinion, the book, as mentioned by others, is Boaz. I suggest it even for mathematicians, followed by Hubbard, who adds rigour (if that is your thing):
https://matrixeditions.com/5thUnifiedApproach.html

Thanks
Bill
Hubbard is an amazing book. But one should download the errata and correct book before reading.

This can be forgiven since its clearly a book written out of love, and its self published.

I am less forgiving of the big house publishers charging an arm and legg for sucky books.


Quality of materials is excellent. They dont make books like this anymore.
 
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  • #34
WWGD said:
The " Snider Insider" was also on the list of books with (almost) anagramed titles.
Im too dumb to understand what you wrote lol.
 
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  • #35
MidgetDwarf said:
Im too dumb to understand what you wrote lol.
Not worth much thinking about it ;).
 
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