Is Studying the Feynman Lectures Still Relevant for Modern Physics Education?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the relevance of the Feynman Lectures in modern physics education, particularly for students preparing to study physics. Participants explore the strengths and weaknesses of the lectures, their coverage of topics, and the availability of updated resources.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the Feynman Lectures being outdated, noting the absence of information on the strong force.
  • Several participants advocate for sticking with the Feynman Lectures, arguing that they are clear and correct on foundational concepts.
  • Another participant questions the quality of Feynman's E&M lectures compared to their current textbook, with responses suggesting that Feynman's lectures are still valuable despite his self-criticism.
  • There is a mention that no introductory physics books provide extensive information on the strong force beyond its existence.
  • A participant inquires about differences between the original and the Definitive and Extended Editions of the Feynman Lectures, particularly regarding price and content.
  • Some participants note that the Definitive edition includes corrections to mistakes found in the original lectures.
  • There is a mention of an upcoming newer edition that may include additional problems and resources.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the Feynman Lectures are valuable for foundational understanding, though there is disagreement regarding their completeness and relevance to modern topics. Some express concern about missing information, while others maintain that the core content remains relevant.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in the coverage of certain advanced topics, such as the strong force, and note that the original lectures contain some mistakes, which have been corrected in later editions.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for physics students considering their study materials, educators evaluating teaching resources, and anyone interested in the historical context of physics education.

StukaJU88c
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I am getting ready to go back to school for physics this coming fall, but in the mean time I am doing a lot of study on physics materials simply because I find it absolutely fascinating and do not want to wait however many months (Not to mention how long it will take me to get past classical physics)

I've been reading and taking notes over the Feynman Lectures, keeping in mind that they are outdated, and was wondering whether this was advisable material to study. I am only on Chapter 3 and have already noticed things missing...like the complete lack of information on the strong force.

Really what I am asking is if there is a more up to date all-inclusive information source that builds up from the groundwork as Feynman has.
 
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Welcome to PF!

Hi StukaJU88c! Welcome to PF! :smile:
StukaJU88c said:
I am getting ready to go back to school for physics this coming fall, … I am only on Chapter 3 and have already noticed things missing...like the complete lack of information on the strong force.

Really what I am asking is if there is a more up to date all-inclusive information source that builds up from the groundwork as Feynman has.

I say, stick with Feynman!

It's a classic, it's clear, and it's correct …

and at least you know it's not up-to-date …

that'll keep you attentive during the lectures! :wink:​
 
Agreed, stick with it. The Lectures are not outdated on the basics.
 
Sorry to add another question to your thread, but...

I have the 3 books. I'm currently taking E&M. I read in the forward that Feynman wasn't exactly pleased with his E&M lectures, but I am very displeased with my E&M textbook. How are his E&M lectures?
 
Null_ said:
Sorry to add another question to your thread, but...

I have the 3 books. I'm currently taking E&M. I read in the forward that Feynman wasn't exactly pleased with his E&M lectures, but I am very displeased with my E&M textbook. How are his E&M lectures?

Very good. I think Feynman was just very self-critical.
 
StukaJU88c said:
I am only on Chapter 3 and have already noticed things missing...like the complete lack of information on the strong force.
You will not find any intro physics books that will have a lot more info on the strong force than the fact there is one.If you want more detail on some subject get a book that only treats that subjects.
 
I will decide to post here instead of make a new thread. Does anyone know if there is any difference between normal Feynman Lectures on Physics, and the Definitive and Extended Edition of this lectures, and whether this is worth the price difference?
 
The only thing to be aware of is that there are a few mistakes in the original Lectures. The corrections are on the website.

http://www.feynmanlectures.info/
 
The meat of Feynman is not outdated. Just stick with it.
 
  • #10
The Definitive edition has the corrections, but I'm not sure it's a big deal. Whichever edition you choose, go with a hardback cover. The paperbacks can't take much use.
 
  • #11
I heard they are making a newer edition this year..
with problems and stuff

Read it from an article about Caltech and TEDx..

I owned the red version, the definitive one..
It's a fun read
 

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