- #31
Daverz
- 1,003
- 80
mathwonk said:
Having too much time on my hands, I'd be willing to help "proctor" such a thead (which should probably be in the SR&GR forum).
Which Textbook Best Teaches Tensor Analysis for General Relativity?
- Context: Graduate
- Thread starter Nusc
- Start date
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around recommendations for textbooks that effectively teach tensor analysis in the context of general relativity (GR). Participants express varying preferences for texts that balance mathematical rigor with accessibility, particularly for those who may not favor pure mathematics.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
- Homework-related
Main Points Raised
- Some participants suggest that Schaum's Outlines may be suitable for those who dislike pure math, as they provide solutions alongside problems.
- Others mention starting with Einstein's original GR paper and progressing through various texts, including Goldstein and Landau & Lifshitz.
- There are requests for comparisons between specific texts, such as "Tensor Analysis on Manifolds" by Bishop and Goldberg and "Tensors and Manifolds" by Wasserman.
- One participant recommends "Modern Geometry-Methods and Applications" by Dubrovin, Novikov, and Fomenko for its practical examples.
- Another viewpoint emphasizes the importance of learning coordinate-free mathematics for a deeper understanding of relativity, suggesting foundational texts in linear algebra and calculus on manifolds.
- Several participants mention the merits of MTW's "Gravitation" and Weinberg's "Gravitation and Cosmology," with some noting their complexity and length.
- Some participants express skepticism about the necessity of mastering tensor calculus before studying GR, suggesting that foundational concepts can be learned concurrently.
- There are mentions of other accessible texts like Ohanian and Ruffini, Schutz, and Carroll, which are noted for their readability and helpful appendices.
- One participant highlights the need for a qualitative introduction to GR for those averse to mathematics, recommending Geroch's "General Relativity from A to B" as a starting point.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on which textbook is the best for learning tensor analysis in relation to GR. Multiple competing views and recommendations are presented, reflecting differing preferences for mathematical rigor and accessibility.
Contextual Notes
Some participants express uncertainty about the effectiveness of various texts based on personal learning styles, and there are unresolved discussions regarding the prerequisites for studying GR effectively.
Who May Find This Useful
This discussion may be useful for students and learners interested in general relativity and tensor analysis, particularly those seeking guidance on suitable textbooks that match their mathematical comfort level.
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