Fine literature on penrose diagrams?

In summary, the person is looking to learn more about general relativity and is considering attending lectures or reading books on the topic. They are not interested in using online journals.
  • #1
M. Kohlhaas
8
0
So here I'm begging for your suggestions. Thanks.
 
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  • #2
What is your level of preparation? and what are you looking to learn?
Do you have access to online journals?
 
  • #3
robphy said:
What is your level of preparation? and what are you looking to learn?
Do you have access to online journals?

My level of preparation is something like a desaster i would say. I haven't heard any lectures on general relativity. I just read some chapters in Malcolm Ludvigsen's general relativity and Carroll's spacetime and geometry, mainly the introductory parts on geometry and einstein's equation. They say some words about the diagrams but i would feel more comfortable with a somewhat more serious introduction. As far as i understood it, there exists something similar in electrodynamics. And about that I did have lectures. But my memory is already overwritten i guess...

Online journals... hm... i don't like that. I prefer books.
 
  • #4
M. Kohlhaas said:
My level of preparation is something like a desaster i would say. I haven't heard any lectures on general relativity. I just read some chapters in Malcolm Ludvigsen's general relativity and Carroll's spacetime and geometry, mainly the introductory parts on geometry and einstein's equation. They say some words about the diagrams but i would feel more comfortable with a somewhat more serious introduction. As far as i understood it, there exists something similar in electrodynamics. And about that I did have lectures. But my memory is already overwritten i guess...

Online journals... hm... i don't like that. I prefer books.

Concerning the connection to electrodynamics, you might be thinking of conformal mapping diagrams... which do share some similarities with the conformal diagrams of Penrose.

Here is a not-so-technical reference: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0316483419/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Hawking & Ellis "Large Scale Structure of Spacetime" is certainly one reference.
In addition, there are sections by Penrose in Battelle Rencontres 1967 and Les Houches 1963 (http://relativity.livingreviews.org/refdb/record/3976)... and here is a journal article, available online, http://prola.aps.org/abstract/PRL/v10/i2/p66_1

D'Inverno's text http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/Physics/Relativity/?view=usa&sf=toc&ci=9780198596868 might be useful.

Here are some other possibly useful references (online): http://relativity.livingreviews.org/Articles/lrr-2004-1/
http://xxx.lanl.gov/abs/gr-qc/9707012
 
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1. What is a Penrose diagram?

A Penrose diagram is a graphical representation of the causal structure of a spacetime, used in general relativity and other branches of physics. It was developed by physicist Roger Penrose in the 1960s as a way to visualize the geometry of a spacetime and to study its properties.

2. Why is a Penrose diagram useful in studying fine literature?

A Penrose diagram can be used to represent the structure of a narrative in a novel or other work of literature. By mapping out the events and connections between characters and plot points, the diagram can help to identify key themes and structural elements of the story.

3. How does a Penrose diagram differ from a traditional plot diagram?

A traditional plot diagram typically shows the progression of a story over time, whereas a Penrose diagram is a more abstract representation of the relationships between events and characters. It also accounts for the non-linear nature of storytelling and can reveal patterns and connections that may not be apparent in a traditional plot diagram.

4. Are there any limitations to using a Penrose diagram in analyzing literature?

While a Penrose diagram can be a useful tool for analyzing the structure of a story, it may not capture all aspects of a work of literature. For example, it may not account for the emotional impact of certain events or the development of characters over time. It should be used in conjunction with other analytical methods to get a more complete understanding of a work.

5. Can a Penrose diagram be used in other fields besides literature?

Yes, Penrose diagrams have applications in various fields such as physics, mathematics, and philosophy. In physics, they are used to study the causal structure of spacetime and in philosophy, they have been used to visualize moral and ethical debates. They can also be used in problem-solving and decision-making processes in fields such as engineering and business.

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