Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the search for suitable postgraduate textbooks on modified theories of gravity, with a focus on the background knowledge required and specific recommendations for literature in this area.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant seeks recommendations for textbooks suitable for a student with an undergraduate background in general relativity.
- Another participant questions the definition of "modified theories of gravity" and asks for clarification on what aspects of general relativity were learned.
- A suggestion is made regarding Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND) as a potential area of interest, although the participant expresses uncertainty about specific textbooks on the topic.
- One participant challenges the validity of writing textbooks on modified theories of gravity, suggesting that such speculations may be ruled out by observations.
- A recommendation is provided for "Beyond Einstein Gravity: A Survey of Gravitational Theories for Cosmology and Astrophysics" by Capozziello and Faraoni, which focuses on f(R) theories of gravity.
- Another book, "Classical and Quantum Cosmology" by Calcagni, is mentioned as it includes a survey of various theories of gravity and approaches to quantum gravity.
- Participants are encouraged to use Amazon's Look Inside feature to examine the Tables of Contents of the recommended books.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the definition and relevance of modified theories of gravity, with some uncertainty regarding the specific focus of the original inquiry. There is no consensus on the appropriateness of MOND or the validity of writing textbooks on the topic.
Contextual Notes
There are limitations in the discussion regarding the definitions of modified theories of gravity and the assumptions underlying the validity of MOND, as well as the observational constraints mentioned.