Quantum Space

Loop Quantum Gravity and the Search for the Structure of Space, Time, and the Universe

By: Jim Baggott

Narrated by: Nigel Patterson

Length: 10 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

Today we are blessed with two extraordinarily successful theories of physics. The first is Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity, which describes the large-scale behavior of matter in a curved spacetime. The second is quantum mechanics. This theory describes the properties and behavior of matter and radiation at their smallest scales.   

But, while they are both highly successful, these two structures leave a lot of important questions unanswered. They are also based on two different interpretations of space and time, and are, therefore, fundamentally incompatible. We have two descriptions, but as far as we know, we've only ever had one universe. What we need is a quantum theory of gravity.  

Approaches to formulating such a theory have primarily followed two paths. One leads to String Theory, which has for long been fashionable, and about which much has been written. But String Theory has become mired in problems. Combining clear discussions of both quantum theory and general relativity, this book offers one of the first efforts to explain the new quantum theory of space and time.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2018 Jim Baggott (P)2019 Tantor

Well spoken, enjoyable and informative

Great content and nicely read. You don't zone out listening. Good insight into loop quantum gravity

review

I loved it . it make it personal how the physicist get evolved with the theory

Intriguing!

Cutting edge thinking on front line physics. Good reading to spawn thinking. Thank you Rovelli and Smolin.

Quantum Space

Excellent book although sometimes confusing
And difficult understanding where the author
Is going, but very intresting.

Fascinating new look into numerous theories

I really enjoyed this book. It gave me a better grasp on what I previously knew and insight into new theories, how they stack up, compare and lack. The book is easy to follow, though I had to rewind chapter 11 a few times, but mostly because the shared Math and Physics are just plain beautiful. more, please..

just what I was looking for

Jim Baggott succeeded in making a challenging subject understandable. That's not to say I won't reread it at some point. I had been looking for information about quantum physics that included historical background, since I'd been reading about how 20th century academic politics had influenced which theories in physics became popular. For me, Baggott delivered. I am also a fan of the theories of Lee Smolin and his views, which I will say affected my choice of book. I also liked the narration, but then, I tend to enjoy the British narrators.

Excellent material, pretentiously narrated

The narrator turns the author into a prissy, brittle, arrogant voice. In my view it was a poor choice for material that concerns imaginative thought and protagonists who know they are taking huge risks in daring to challenge convention.

Great listen, l'm still confused but...

Great listen but still confused. If it was easy everyone would get it. I will listen to it again.

quantum physics quantum gravity

A fun read but purely theoretical. No current evidence. To the contrary the author himself claims that there might be more tweaking needed as this is not a perfectly representative of reality. But it's interesting and at least plausible given the current understanding.

Great book

Gives a great account of the development of LQG, and LQC, as well as the lives of its developers. Very enjoyable book.