Understanding String Theory: A Beginner's Guide

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String theory is a complex topic that many find difficult to grasp, particularly the concept of multiple dimensions. Readers recommend Brian Greene's "The Elegant Universe" for its accessible approach, though some caution that it can be challenging. Other suggested readings include Lee Smolin's "The Trouble With Physics" and Lisa Randall's works, which offer different perspectives on string theory and its implications. The discussion highlights the ongoing challenges in string theory, including its unfinished status and the difficulty in reconciling it with quantum mechanics and gravity. Overall, exploring various authors can provide deeper insights into the nuances of string theory and modern physics.
  • #31
Is Randall's book difficult or unpleasant ? I'm surprised, I found it excellent.
 
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  • #32
humanino said:
Is Randall's book difficult or unpleasant ? I'm surprised, I found it excellent.

It just didn't hold my attention and keep me interested. So I guess in a sense I found it difficult and it felt less like a hobby than a task to read it. Then again, maybe I was just being lazy...
 
  • #33
I haven't read Randall's book yet, but it may be worth noting that Amazon shows 152 customer reviews and averages 4.5 stars (out of 5). Coincidentally, one of the reviews was from Lee Smolin himself who gave the book 5 stars and said why he liked it. There were several other reviews by professionals in the field, although I only read maybe 10 of the reviews. BTW, one reviewer thought the second half was better than the first, but that was just one person.

So, even if some may find it a difficult read, it may be worth slogging through it anyway. I should be getting my copy from the library in a few days but I can't guarantee how long it will take me to get through it. I need to finish Greene's book first also.

Ron
 
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  • #34
humanino said:
Is Randall's book difficult or unpleasant ? I'm surprised, I found it excellent.

I haven't read this book and I don't even know what book it is, but all the talke made the curious. What book of hers are we talking about?

Can someone briefly describe the books main topics and points? Is it constrained to string theory or does it review other ideas as well?

/Fredrik
 
  • #35
Fra, Lisa Randall's book is called "Warped Passages" and is supposed to be a pretty comprehensive review of cutting edge physics leading mostly toward string theory. I'm hoping that she is a good writer and can get into the extra dimension business and Calabi-Yau spaces which seems to be at the heart of string theory. There is a quite a bit of info on it on the web. It's been out since about 2005.

Ron
 

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