The Trouble With Physics: The Rise of String Theory, The Fall of a Science, and What Comes Next Reprint Edition

by Lee Smolin (Author)

251 customer reviews

ISBN-13: 978-0618918683

ISBN-10: 061891868X

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In this illuminating book, the renowned theoretical physicist Lee Smolin argues that fundamental physics -- the search for the laws of nature -- losing its way. Ambitious ideas about extra dimensions, exotic particles, multiple universes, and strings have captured the public’s imagination -- and the imagination of experts. But these ideas have not been tested experimentally, and some, like string theory, seem to offer no possibility of being tested. Yet these speculations dominate the field, attracting the best talent and much of the funding and creating a climate in which emerging physicists are often penalized for pursuing other avenues. As Smolin points out, the situation threatens to impede the very progress of science. With clarity, passion, and authority, Smolin offers an unblinking assessment of the troubles that face modern physics -- and an encouraging view of where the search for the next big idea may lead.

The Trouble With Physics: The Rise of String Theory, The Fall of a Science, and What Comes Next

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"A splendid, edifying report from the front lines of theorectical physics . . . A wonderful gift." The San Francisco Chronicle

" “An uncommonly clear and confident account . . . Even those who differ with many of Smolin’s contentions can applaud his bringing physicists’ anguished night thoughts into the clear light of day.”—Tim Ferris

“If you want to think in new ways about the interconnected universe around you, read Lee Smolin’s provocative, inspiring book.”—Margaret Geller

"The best book about contemporary science written for the layman that I have ever read ... Read this book. Twice."

The Times of London

About the Author

Lee Smolin is a theoretical physicist who has made influential contributions to the search for a unification of physics. He is a founding faculty member of the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. His previous books include The Trouble with Physics, The Life of the Cosmos and Three Roads to Quantum Gravity.

Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Mariner Books; Reprint edition (September 4, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 061891868X
ISBN-13: 978-0618918683
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.1 x 8.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 251 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #103,501 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #11 in Books > Science & Math > Physics > Nuclear Physics > Particle Physics
- #29 in Books > Science & Math > Physics > Mathematical Physics
- #124 in Books > Textbooks > Science & Mathematics > Physics

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Alaturka

Science as a fad

October 15, 2011

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

An interesting book, and although the topic itself is too esoteric for many readers, Smolin successfully makes his point that physics has been at a standstill for a few decades now without any major breakthroughs in our understanding of our universe. Science suffers from its enormous success. Boundries of physical science has been pushed beyond the point where experimental verification is no longer feasible or very difficult. Where experiment lacks, there is theory to fill in the void, and when theory can not be backed up by solid experiment, measurement and data, fads and politics take over. Does it have to be this way? Smolin argues that it does not have to be and if the String Theory had not sucked all the oxygen out of the system, we may have had a chance to investigate other maybe more productive avenues. He even presents some very interesting examples and possibilities.

One problem with the book is it is actually two books in one. While the first half is dedicated to the history of development of String Theory and its significance, accomplishments and failures, the second half is an idictment of academic politics in general.

He is obviously qualified to expand on both topics, but makes the book a little disjointed. In any case, writing is easy on the reader, there is considerable name dropping and some airing of laundry. Recommended if the topic is of general interest.

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Mike3746

An absolutely enjoyable read of a difficult subject!

March 10, 2013

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Lee Smolin has the ability to take a complex, almost indecipherable subject, like quantum physics and make it totally fascinating. This is not the usual egg-head type book and perhaps, that's the shame of it. Just the word, "Physics" almost put me off. I am not one to understand the inner workings of an atom or a star. But, this book was a complete and fascinating surprise for me. I almost could not put it down. I think I read it in four sittings. You will come away with a bit of an understanding of the time-space-thingy. but, you will really know about the fascinating world of physicists and the politics of learning institutions and the interrelationships between people of very high intellect- some are magnanimous, others insanely petty and selfish and still others are out right thieves and liars- Oh! Just like regular people, eh? An excellent reading experience and I strongly recommend it.

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Edward Delaplaine

Difficult for the laymen, but worth the effort.

March 23, 2016

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

This is much more than simply a complaint about string theory, though that is certainly a central theme. Smolin attempts to explain in understandable language why string theory hasn't delivered its grand promise despise 30 years on the scene. With an engineering background, I found myself having to read and reread passages multiple times to follow the gist of some of the more difficult concepts, but it is a rewarding exercise. The last 1/3rd is a much easier reading, more about how the current stagnating situation came to be and how it might be fixed. The book gives fascinating insights into the human element behind theoretical physicists, which at times seems a little Shakespearean.

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Massimo Pigliucci

What is happening to fundamental physics?

May 4, 2010

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

This is an incredibly stimulating book by a leading physicist reflecting on the current status of fundamental physics. It is not just about science per se, but also the sociology and even the philosophy of science, seen from the point of view of a practicing physicist who has worked with string theory and who now thinks that it likely is a dead end in terms of "the ultimate theory of everything." Smolin gives a fascinating overview of the recent history of physics, arriving at the conclusion that this is the first generation of physicists in about a couple of centuries who have not managed to produce a major theoretical breakthrough. String theory for Smolin is a brilliant idea that had the unfortunate consequence of taking over the entire field, which resulted in hiring and granting policies that have systematically discouraged other approaches (such as loop quantum gravity, on which Smolin also has worked). The author diagnoses the problem in terms of both philosophy and sociology of science. Philosophically, the current dominant figures of fundamental physics see science itself very differently from the physicists of the generation of Einstein, and this change of vision is not necessarily for the better. Sociologically, we are treated to an in-depth criticism of how granting agencies and departmental hiring practices work, something that will not surprise anyone who has actually been in academia, but that is good to appreciate on the part of the general public. Smolin ends up making some bold suggestions on both how to improve the culture of science and how to get physics unstuck from its current predicament. Even if you are sympathetic to string theory, this is a book well worth reading in order to gain a better perspective on how we do physical science today (despite the fact that the middle part gets quite technical and may not be easy to digest for everyone).

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Paul

The trouble with physics

December 7, 2012

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Dr. Smolin is one of the few scientists willing to acknowledge his, and his field's, Inadequacy. Thirty to fifty years without significant validating progress is a severe indictment. I admire his candor and vision in advocating going back to foundations. I suggest he go back even further, to ask why quantization? To find the model.

To accept quantization without a reason, without applying technology not available to Bohr and Einstein, is to ignore the human nature to make errors. A tiny error in 1925 could propagate over many additive theories, leading to impossible leaps of ill-placed imagination, misleading hundreds of researchers to meaningless conclusions.

If you read one serious book about science,let it be The Trouble With Physics. If you've read several extolling science, you especially need to read it. Read the negative reviews to see the reaction of scientists who won't see the troubles with physics. In the last flew pages, Smolin hints at a solution,but misses a bit. Others may find the secret. Great read.

Paul Lecoq

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Five Stars

Excellent quality used copy. I am enjoying reading the book very much

Published 2 months ago by JHW

You need to know quantum, not an easy book

Interesting read, but sometimes a little bit difficult to grasp all the physics concepts, you need to know some Quantum to enjoy it.Read more

Published 2 months ago by pablo varela

Physics Famine

My engineering boss suggested to me in 1990 that there was a famine in the field of science and physics. This book confirms what he said and suggests the reasons why.

Published 4 months ago by J. Niven

Theory's as fact

Mr. Smolin is very clear in his treatment of the current state of theoretical physics. Physicist today need to take a step back and evaluate not just the theory's they think are...Read more

Published 4 months ago by Bruce

Four Stars

Good review of contemporary problems in physics.

Published 5 months ago by Genara Griego

A formula-less summary of modern physics and provocative ideas in the sociology and philosophy of science

The book summarizes in a clear formula-less language the main subjects of modern physics and presents provocative ideas in the sociology and philosophy of science.

Published 7 months ago by A M

Very good global picture

It Wars imposible to stop reading. Very good global picture.

Published 7 months ago by Sergio Gaete

love it!

,love it!

Published 8 months ago by rip

Five Stars

good book

Published 9 months ago by Lev Glukhovskiy

The Rambling Feminine

I have no idea if this is a good book. I loaned it to a woman before I read it and she hasn't been back. Is that the problem with physics?

Published 11 months ago by MontanaMan

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