Peter Woit's free QT, Groups and Representations ebook

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around Peter Woit's draft version of a book on quantum theory, groups, and representations, which is available for free on his website. Participants comment on the content, quality, and specific chapters of the book, including its treatment of supersymmetry.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the book is comprehensive and serves as a good reference.
  • Another participant praises the draft's quality, comparing it favorably to other works in the field, such as those by Carroll and Teschl.
  • Some participants express surprise at the inclusion of a chapter on supersymmetry, with one remarking that it is "not even wrong" according to Woit's own criteria.
  • There is a discussion about the status of supersymmetry as a physics theory versus its mathematical validity, with some suggesting it is acceptable mathematically even if it is not as a physical theory.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the quality and comprehensiveness of the book, but there is a disagreement regarding the status of supersymmetry as a valid theory in physics versus mathematics.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the definitions of "not even wrong" and the criteria for evaluating theories are not fully explored, leaving room for interpretation.

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I finally have finished a draft version of the book that I’ve been working on for the past four years or so. This version will remain freely available on my website here. The plan is to get professional illustrations done and have the book published by Springer, presumably appearing in print sometime next year. By now it’s too late for any significant changes, but comments, especially corrections and typos, are welcome.
Enjoy!
http://www.math.columbia.edu/~woit/QM/qmbook.pdf
 
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This looks really comprehensive. Good reference!
 
Book draft of high quality. Works well with the ones by Carroll on GR, Teschl on mathematical methods of QM and the famous Kleinert books.
 
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Surprisingly, he has even included a chapter on supersymmetry - which, by his own criterion, is not even wrong. :biggrin:
 
Demystifier said:
Surprisingly, he has even included a chapter on supersymmetry - which, by his own criterion, is not even wrong. :biggrin:

May it is not even wrong as a physics theory, but as mathematics it is perfectly fine.
 
martinbn said:
May it is not even wrong as a physics theory, but as mathematics it is perfectly fine.
Yes, even if superstring theory is not perfectly fine as mathematics.
 

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