New Theories of Everything

Features

• Cover Type: Hard Cover with 272 pages
• Published by: Oxford University Press, USA July 26, 2007
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0192807218
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0192807212
• Book Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches
• Weighs: 1.2 pounds

From Publishers Weekly
In 1991, mathematician and astronomer Barrow released Theories of Everything, a look at science's search for a single model that explains the mechanics of the entire universe. Even though science is not much closer to attaining its Holy Grail, the intervening 16 years have seen enough developments to warrant a thorough revision. Dubious that one formula can ever "deliver all truth"-or that such a theory would even be desirable-Barrow demonstrates that the quest itself is what's important, providing a framework for probing the deepest questions of science, including the role of mankind in the universe; each of these questions is looked at in turn under broad chapters on "Laws," "Initial conditions," "Constants of nature," "Broken symmetries" and others. Each topic yields surprises; for instance, Barrow executes a startling reversal of Copernicus's fundamental principle, that the Earth is not the center of the universe, by pointing out that the physical laws governing our universe are necessarily bound to the conditions that account "for the living observers within it." Though Barrow succeeds in making the scope and wealth of his knowledge accessible and relevant, his book proves more demanding than other "popular" science titles; fortunately, this one is worth the effort. 25 line illustrations.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Product Review

"A fascinating journey."--Kirkus Reviews
"He acknowledges the limitations of seeking a formula to describe the emotional aspects of experience and the necessity of incorporating these variables into the long-sought-after theory of everything."--Science News
"Recommended for general readers; lower-division undergraduates through faculty." -- Choice


Reader Reviews
I real lots of physics/cosmology books. This one organized and written for comprehension - and the first I've encountered to integrate chaos and complexity processes as well as Steve Wolfram's New Kind of Science with QM and Strings - not flashy but impressive.