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Conversations About Physics, Volume 2, includes the following 5 carefully-edited Ideas Roadshow Conversations featuring leading physicists. This collection includes a detailed preface highlighting the connections between the different books. Each book is broken into chapters with a detailed introduction and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter: 1. Pushing the Boundaries - A Conversation with former mathematical physicist and writer Freeman Dyson, who was one of the most celebrated polymaths of our age. Freeman Dyson had his academic home for more than 60 years at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton. He has reshaped thinking in fields from math to astrophysics to medicine, while pondering nuclear-propelled spaceships designed to transport human colonists to distant planets. During this wide-ranging conversation Freeman looks back on his simultaneously transformative careers in theoretical physics, mathematics, biology, rocket ship design, nuclear disarmament and writing. 2. Harnessing the Sun - A Conversation with Jenny Nelson, Professor of Physics and Head of the Climate Change mitigation team at the Grantham Institute at Imperial College London. After inspiring insights about Jenny Nelson’s academic journey, the conversation examines different solar energy processes, solar energy conversion technology, novel varieties of material for use in solar cells, and the materials used to build and improve photovoltaic, and other renewable technologies, which convert energy from the sun into electricity. 3. The Pull of the Stars - A Conversation with Claudia de Rham, Professor of Theoretical Physics at Imperial College London. After inspiring insights about Claudia de Rham’s upbringing in Madagascar and her academic journey, this in-depth conversation explores her research in cosmology, the public perception and communication of science to the general public, gender issues and stereotypes in physics, and recommendations for physics teachers to inspire the next generation. 4. Examining Time - A Conversation with Lee Smolin, faculty member of Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. The basis of this thought-provoking conversation are Lee Smolin’s books Life of the Cosmos and Time Reborn. This detailed discussion offers an investigation of time, both what it is and how the true nature of it impacts our world and future and provides behind-the scenes insights into the development of Lee Smolin’s groundbreaking theory on the nature of time. 5. SETI: Astronomy - A Conversation with Jill Tarter, Chair Emeritus for SETI Research at SETI Institute and Former Director of the Center for SETI Research. Astronomer Jill Tarter has spent the majority of her professional life driving forward the science and technology of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, rigorously scanning the sky for the signs of some signal sent to us from outer space. This wide-ranging conversation explores the history of the scientific search for extraterrestrial intelligence, what the present state is of our quest for signals from other planets, what those signals might look like and how we can interpret them, how SETI research has a surprisingly positive effect on other technologies, how citizens can get involved with astronomy and much more. Howard Burton is the founder and host of all Ideas Roadshow Conversations and was the Founding Executive Director of Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. He holds a PhD in theoretical physics and an MA in philosophy.
The idea for this book began over four decades ago when Edward Teller began teaching physics appreciation courses at the University of Chicago. Then, as now, Dr. Teller believes that illiteracy in science is an increasingly great danger to American society, not only for our chil dren but also for our growing adult population. On one hand, the future of every individual on this globe is closely related to science and its applications. Fear of the results of science, which has become prevalent in much of the Western World, leads to mistaken decisions in important political affairs. But this book speaks of no fears and of no decisions-only of the facts that can prevent one of them and indirectly guide the others. From the perspective of this book, a second point is even more vii viii PREFACE significant. The first quarter of this century has seen the most won derful and philosophically most important transformation in our thinking. The intellectual and aesthetic values of the points of view of Einstein and Bohr cannot be overestimated. Nor should they be hidden at the bottom of tons of mathematical rubble. Our young people must be exposed to science both because it is useful and because it is fun. Both of these qualities should be taken at a truly high value.
Leading theorists share their important insights into the ongoing quest of theoretical physics to find a quantum theory of gravity.
This book contains interviews with physicists, biologists, and chemists who have been involved in some of the most exciting discoveries in modern scientific thought. The conversations—with Bohm, Pattee, Penrose, Rosen, Rosenfeld, Somorjai, Weizsäcker, Wheeler, and Nobel prizewinners Heisenberg, Dirac, and Prigogine—explore issues which have shaped modern physics and those which hint at what may form the next scientific revolution. The discussions range over a set of basic problems in physical theory and their possible solutions—the understanding of space and time, quantum and relativity theories and recent attempts to unite them—and deal with related questions in theoretical biology. The approach is non-technical, with an emphasis on the assumptions of modern science and their implications for understanding the world we live in. The book, which originated in a highly successful radio series, provides a vivid first-hand account of some of the astounding and perplexing developments in modern science, a rare overview that will intrigue the informed non-scientist and the scientist alike.
Here is an unprecedented collection of twenty freewheeling and revealing interviews with major players in the ongoing--and increasingly heated--debate about the relationship between religion and science. These lively conversations cover the most important and interesting topics imaginable: the Big Bang, the origins of life, the nature of consciousness, the foundations of religion, the meaning of God, and much more. In Atoms and Eden, Peabody Award-winning journalist Steve Paulson explores these topics with some of the most prominent public intellectuals of our time, including Richard Dawkins, Karen Armstrong, E. O. Wilson, Sam Harris, Elaine Pagels, Francis Collins, Daniel Dennett, Jane Goodall, Paul Davies, and Steven Weinberg. The interviewees include Christians, Buddhists, Jews, and Muslims, as well as agnostics, atheists, and other scholars who hold perspectives that are hard to categorize. Paulson's interviews sweep across a broad range of scientific disciplines--evolutionary biology, quantum physics, cosmology, and neuroscience--and also explore key issues in theology, religious history, and what William James called ''the varieties of religious experience.'' Collectively, these engaging dialogues cover the major issues that have often pitted science against religion--from the origins of the universe to debates about God, Darwin, the nature of reality, and the limits of human reason. These are complex, intellectually rich discussions, presented in an accessible and engaging manner. Most of these interviews were originally published as individual cover stories for Salon.com, where they generated a huge reader response. Public Radio's "To the Best of Our Knowledge" will present a major companion series on related topics this fall. A feast of ideas and competing perspectives, this volume will appeal to scientists, spiritual seekers, and the intellectually curious.
Conversations across academic disciplines are the future. This work delves into the dynamics, rewards, and challenges of such conversations.
Five wide-ranging conversations with leading physicists: Freeman Dyson, Jenny Nelson, Claudia de Rham, Lee Smolin, Jill Tarter.
“Some of the most compelling, cutting-edge ideas about who we are and what kind of world we live in. This is a daring book—and a great read!”—Glenn Hartelius, PhD, coeditor of the International Journal of Transpersonal Studies Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered “What is the universe?” In this lively and engaging collection of interviews, astronomer Stephan Martin talks with some of today’s most innovative and cutting-edge thinkers on the nature of the universe and our relationship to it. Scientists, mystics, indigenous elders, and cultural creatives all share their unique voices on the nature of reality, the interplay of science and religion, the future of humanity, and the role of each person in a mysterious and evolving universe. Filled with rich insight, dynamic discussion, and penetrating wisdom, Cosmic Conversations asks the fundamental questions about the universe many of us have wondered about, yet few have explored in-depth, questions such as: Do time, space, and matter really exist? Can the universe be inside us, outside us, or both? Is the universe alive, conscious, and intelligent? Where are we in the cosmic evolutionary picture? A compelling journey from the farthest reaches of outer space to the innermost realms of the human heart, Cosmic Conversations will change the way you look at the universe (and yourself) forever. “An excellent contribution to the philosophical revival that is taking place in the marketplace of ideas. Stephan’s searching and heartfelt questions bring out the best of the authors he interviews.”—Steve McIntosh, author of The Presence of the Infinite
Explains the fundamental concepts of Newtonian mechanics, special relativity, waves, fluids, thermodynamics, and statistical mechanics. Provides an introduction for college-level students of physics, chemistry, and engineering, for AP Physics students, and for general readers interested in advances in the sciences. In volume II, Shankar explains essential concepts, including electromagnetism, optics, and quantum mechanics. The book begins at the simplest level, develops the basics, and reinforces fundamentals, ensuring a solid foundation in the principles and methods of physics.