Insights Interview with a Theoretical Physicist: Carlo Rovelli - Comments

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers around an interview with theoretical physicist Carlo Rovelli, highlighting criticisms of the interviewer's focus on competitors rather than Rovelli's own ideas. Participants express disappointment over the lack of substantive questions regarding Rovelli's theories, particularly in contrast to string theory and supersymmetry. Despite these critiques, the discussion acknowledges the success of Rovelli's book, which ranks #9 on Amazon, indicating significant public interest in his work and ideas in contemporary physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Theoretical physics concepts, particularly quantum gravity and loop quantum gravity.
  • Understanding of string theory and supersymmetry as competing theories in physics.
  • Familiarity with the current landscape of theoretical physics research.
  • Knowledge of academic publishing and book ranking systems, specifically Amazon's ranking metrics.
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  • Research Carlo Rovelli's contributions to loop quantum gravity.
  • Explore the implications of string theory and supersymmetry in modern physics.
  • Investigate the impact of public interest on scientific literature, focusing on book rankings.
  • Analyze interviews with leading physicists to identify effective questioning techniques.
USEFUL FOR

The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, science communicators, and anyone interested in the dynamics of contemporary physics debates and the public reception of scientific literature.

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Greg Bernhardt submitted a new PF Insights post

Interview with a Theoretical Physicist: Carlo Rovelli

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Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
 
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What a complete waste. Don't you have any desire to ask him about, I don't know, his own ideas? Or any kind of substantive question at all, instead of just his competitors?

I don't understand the desire to keep waging this battle against string theory, supersymmetry and every other idea other than what Rovelli works on. Surely nobody is illuminated by the entirely negative message, let alone convinced. Surely nobody is laboring under the misimpression that Rovelli's approaches have been any more successful at making unique predictions or being experimentally observed than his competitors – quite the opposite if anything.

One is left with the impression that Rovelli's thoughts on physics are defined by what he is against rather than for, though I'm sure that has much to do with the terrible job by the interviewer. One also gets the impression the interviewer hasn't heard of anything interesting happening in theoretical physics over the past decade besides arguments about string wars and multiverses. I'm sorry if that's the case.
 
Great interview!
Thanks, Greg. It goes right to the heart of things I think Rovelli cares about and gives a sense of what he's like. You get a good idea of his views on some of the foremost issues facing science (in particular, physics) today.
 
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Happy Birthday! :oldtongue:
 
Just now I checked to the Amazon page for Rovelli's book. it www #9 among all the books Amazon sells:
==quote==
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
#1 in Books > Science & Math > Physics
#1 in Books > Science & Math > Astronomy & Space Science > Cosmology
#1 in Books > Textbooks > Science & Mathematics > Physics
==endquote==

I've never seen a physics book rank that high. It's phenomenal! Surely some congratulations are in order. Great going Carlo!
 
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Great interview and beautiful book!
 

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