What Are the Best Books on String Theory and Its Critiques for Undergraduates?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion identifies key resources for undergraduate physics students interested in string theory. Recommended books include "A First Course in String Theory" by Zwiebach, which provides a technical yet accessible introduction. For critiques of string theory, "Not Even Wrong" by Woit is suggested as a semi-popular level critique. Additionally, "String Theory for Dummies" by Jones offers a more general overview, presenting arguments both for and against the theory.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of theoretical physics concepts
  • Familiarity with introductory quantum mechanics
  • Knowledge of classical string theory principles
  • Ability to engage with technical literature
NEXT STEPS
  • Read "A First Course in String Theory" by Zwiebach for foundational knowledge
  • Explore "Not Even Wrong" by Woit for critical perspectives on string theory
  • Investigate "String Theory for Dummies" by Jones for a broader understanding
  • Research additional critiques of string theory in academic journals
USEFUL FOR

Undergraduate physics students, educators in theoretical physics, and anyone interested in the debates surrounding string theory.

Bestfrog
What are the books that speak about string theory you would suggest me?
And the book against this theory?
(I'm an undergraduate physics student)
Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Bestfrog said:
What are the books that speak about string theory you would suggest me?
And the book against this theory?
(I'm an undergraduate physics student)
Thanks!
For undergraduate physics students, the best book is Zwiebach, "A First Course in String Theory". It is a serious technical book, but at an introductory pedagogic level suitable for undergraduates.

There is no fully technical book against string theory, but the best book (on a semi-popular level) against string theory is Woit, "Not Even Wrong".

Finally Jones, "String Theory for Dummies" is a great fully popular-level book which contains arguments both for and against string theory.

At the end, when you get tired of serious thinking about strings, you can relax by listening a great song about them:
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: phoenix95, vanhees71, Wrichik Basu and 1 other person
Thanks a lot!
 

Similar threads

High Energy String Theory Books: Intro & Advanced Level | GSW, Polchinski, McMahon, Becker
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Intro Physics Physics Introduction book
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
Quantum What books/materials/subjects are needed to understand String Theory?
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
5K
Quantum Looking for a good String Theory text
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Classical Best Russian/Soviet Physics Books
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Books about Kähler manifolds, Ricci flatness and other things
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Intro Math Hassani's books on Mathematical Physics/Methods
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Cosmology What are some recommended books for studying mathematical physics?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Book recommendations (abstract algebra and number theory)
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Foundations What level are the books 'Elements de Mathematiques' by Bourbaki?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K