Becoming a Great Theoretical Physicist by Gerard 't Hooft

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Gerard 't Hooft's guide on becoming a good theoretical physicist serves as a resource for independent learners, emphasizing the importance of foundational knowledge in physics and calculus. The discussion highlights that the guide is more of a topic list rather than a comprehensive instructional manual. Users recommend prioritizing the book list provided at the end of the guide over the lecture notes. Additionally, the guide contrasts with 't Hooft's other page on becoming a bad theoretical physicist, underscoring the necessity of mathematical proficiency in the field.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic physics knowledge, specifically Newton's laws (f=ma)
  • Fundamental calculus skills
  • Familiarity with theoretical physics concepts
  • Understanding of mathematical language in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the recommended book list from Gerard 't Hooft's guide
  • Study advanced topics in theoretical physics
  • Learn mathematical techniques essential for physics, such as differential equations
  • Review 't Hooft's contrasting guide on becoming a bad theoretical physicist
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for aspiring theoretical physicists, students of physics, and educators seeking to enhance their understanding of the foundational skills required in the field.

icma
Messages
25
Reaction score
0
Hey,
I came across (http://www.staff.science.uu.nl/~hooft101/theorist.html) in which Gerard 't Hooft has written a guide on becoming a good theoretical physicist and was wondering if anyone is using it, and if so d'you like it?
 
Physics news on Phys.org


I used it a little and it worked okay.
I'd use the books from the book list at the end over the lecture notes given in the main list though.
AND make sure you have some kind of background in basic f=ma type physics and some basic calulus.
 


icma said:
Hey,
I came across (http://www.staff.science.uu.nl/~hooft101/theorist.html) in which Gerard 't Hooft has written a guide on becoming a good theoretical physicist and was wondering if anyone is using it, and if so d'you like it?

I don't really see it as a guide on becoming a good theoretical physicist. That is a very misleading statement, it is more of a list of topics to touch if you were independently learning.
 


Nano-Passion said:
I don't really see it as a guide on becoming a good theoretical physicist. That is a very misleading statement, it is more of a list of topics to touch if you were independently learning.

I think the reason he titled it 'how to become a good theoretical physicist' is to constrast his 'how to become a bad theoretical physicist page' http://www.staff.science.uu.nl/~hooft101/theoristbad.html
 


genericusrnme said:
I think the reason he titled it 'how to become a good theoretical physicist' is to constrast his 'how to become a bad theoretical physicist page' http://www.staff.science.uu.nl/~hooft101/theoristbad.html

Oh that makes sense. There are people out there who demand that we listen to their crackpot statements and that it is cult like to not listen to people outside of their field. But they don't it math is the language of physics, so if your speaking english the whole time then your speaking bullsh--. T'hooft's page highlights that and shows that there are many years down the path to actually start speaking physics and mathematics.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
5K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
5K
Replies
26
Views
13K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
5K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
6K