Insights Interview with a Theoretical Physicist: Carlo Rovelli - Comments

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The discussion centers on an interview with theoretical physicist Carlo Rovelli, highlighting mixed reactions to the interview's focus. Critics express disappointment over the lack of substantive questions regarding Rovelli's own theories, suggesting the interviewer overly emphasized conflicts with competing theories like string theory and supersymmetry. They argue that this negative framing does not contribute to a deeper understanding of Rovelli's work, which has not been shown to make unique predictions or achieve experimental validation any more successfully than its rivals. Conversely, some participants appreciate the interview for capturing Rovelli's core concerns and providing insight into his perspectives on contemporary physics issues. Additionally, Rovelli's book has achieved notable success on Amazon, ranking #9 overall and topping several categories, which participants celebrate as a significant accomplishment for him.
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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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