Lost in Math: How Beauty Leads Physics Astray

Sabine Hossenfelder

Basic Books

Do we have free will? Is the universe compatible with God? Do we live in a computer simulation? Does the universe think?\nPhysicists are great at complicated research, but they are less good at telling us why it matters. In this entertaining and groundbreaking book, theoretical physicist Sabine Hossenfelder breaks down why we should care. Drawing on the latest research in quantum mechanics, black holes, string theory and particle physics, Existential Physics explains what modern physics can tell us about the big questions.\nFilled with counterintuitive insights and including interviews with other leading scientists, this clear and yet profound book will reshape your understanding of science and the limits of what we can know.

Existential Physics

Politics & Social Sciences

Philosophy

ATLANTIC BOOKS *

Das neue Buch der renommierten Physikerin und Autorin ("Das hässliche Universum") erklärt unterhaltsam und anschaulich, was die moderne Physik über die großen Fragen des Lebens sagen kann

Existential Physics: A Scientist’s Guide to Life’s Biggest Questions

A contrarian argues that modern physicists' obsession with beauty has given us wonderful math but bad science
Whether pondering black holes or predicting discoveries at CERN, physicists believe the best theories are beautiful, natural, and elegant, and this standard separates popular theories from disposable ones. This is why, Sabine Hossenfelder argues, we have not seen a major breakthrough in the foundations of physics for more than four decades. The belief in beauty has become so dogmatic that it now conflicts with scientific objectivity: observation has been unable to confirm mindboggling theories, like supersymmetry or grand unification, invented by physicists based on aesthetic criteria. Worse, these "too good to not be true" theories are actually untestable and they have left the field in a cul-de-sac. To escape, physicists must rethink their methods. Only by embracing reality as it is can science discover the truth.

Lost in Math

Science & Math

History & Philosophy

BRILLIANCE AUDIO ^

Black Holes By Brian Cox, Jeff Forshaw And Existential Physics By Sabine Hossenfelder 2 Books Collection Set

Jeff Forshaw Brian Cox

Astronomy & Space Science

Mariner Books/Atlantic Books Ltd

The Biggest Ideas in the Universe By Sean Carroll, Existential Physics By Sabine Hossenfelder 2 Books Collection Set

Sean Carroll

Dutton/Atlantic Books Ltd

The Biggest Ideas in the Universe 1: Space, Time and Motion By Sean Carroll & Existential Physics: A Scientist’s Guide To Life’s Biggest Questions By Sabine Hossenfelder 2 Books Collection Set

Atlantic Books/Oneworld Publications Ltd

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Books by Sabine Hossenfelder