Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the comparison of various textbooks on spacetime and black hole physics, specifically focusing on the works of Taylor and Wheeler, as well as Misner, Thorne, and Wheeler. Participants share their experiences with these texts and express opinions on their levels of insight and relevance to current research.
Discussion Character
- Technical explanation, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant mentions that "Space Time Physics" and "Exploring Black Holes" by Taylor and Wheeler are now available for free, highlighting their accessibility.
- Another participant compares their study of Sean Carroll's book and the Misner-Thorne-Wheeler reference, seeking a comparison with the Taylor and Wheeler texts.
- Some participants propose that while Taylor and Wheeler's books are insightful, they are considered to be at a lower level compared to others.
- It is noted that Misner-Thorne-Wheeler is regarded as a primary reference for general relativity, although one participant suggests it should be supplemented with newer texts due to advancements in cosmology and gravitational-wave research.
- A participant recommends chapter 14 of "Black Holes, information and the string theory revolution" as a valuable resource.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the appropriateness and depth of the Taylor and Wheeler texts compared to Misner-Thorne-Wheeler, indicating a lack of consensus on which texts are more suitable for various levels of study.
Contextual Notes
Some participants mention the need for supplementary materials to stay updated with recent developments in the field, particularly in cosmology and gravitational-wave research, but do not specify which aspects of the texts may be outdated.