Einstein's Relativity and the Quantum Revolution: Modern Physics for Non-Scientists, 2nd Edition

By: Richard Wolfson, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Richard Wolfson

Length: 12 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

"It doesn't take an Einstein to understand modern physics," says Professor Wolfson at the outset of these twenty-four lectures on what may be the most important subjects in the universe: relativity and quantum physics. Both have reputations for complexity. But the basic ideas behind them are, in fact, simple and comprehensible by anyone. These dynamic and illuminating lectures begin with a brief overview of theories of physical reality starting with Aristotle and culminating in Newtonian or "classical" physics. After that, you'll follow along as Professor Wolfson outlines the logic that led to Einstein's profound theory of special relativity and the simple yet far-reaching insight on which it rests. With that insight in mind, you'll move on to consider Einstein's theory of general relativity and its interpretation of gravitation in terms of the curvature of space and time.

From there, you'll embark on a dazzling exploration of how inquiry into matter at the atomic and subatomic scales led to quandaries that are resolved-or at least clarified-by quantum mechanics, a vision of physical reality so profound and so at odds with our experience that it nearly defies language.

By bringing relativity and quantum mechanics into the same picture, you'll chart the development of fascinating hypotheses about the origin, development, and possible futures of the entire universe, as well as the possibility that physics can produce a "theory of everything" to account for all aspects of the physical world. But the goal throughout these lectures remains the same: to present the key ideas of modern physics in a way that makes them clear to the interested layperson.

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

©2000 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2000 The Great Courses

visual version really

the narrator forgets about the nonvisual audience halfway through, but still amazing! just hard to visualize that "strings will wiggle like that".

Great listen

Professor Wolfson clearly explains complex phenomena. He takes you on a fascinating journey through physics all without really using any math. It’s a great listen for anyone who is interested in physics, space and beyond.

Great explanation of physics - how it should be taught in educational institutions

Great description of the overarching history of physics and it’s use.
Lacks some diagrams needed especially in the final chapter!

Great content and Reader

Great content, great speaker. I enjoyed it because i really grasp the subject now and its absolutely amazing how much a little we know about the nature of the universe...by a scientist. #respect.

Great start point for new enthusiasts

This lecture series is VERY accessible to physics novices. The course flow builds logically upon itself and the word pictures render each concept very illustrative despite being an audio book.

Better than 'Brief History of Time'

Physics gets quickly daunting and unintuitive once the mathematical equations starts pouring in ....which usually starts happening from 2nd page onwards (and by around 10th page that wily Physics teacher is trying to ruin your life). But here is an absolutely brilliant book on Modern Physics that stays clear of any equations, yet tells a lucid story about the Universe and the laws that govern it. More easier to understand than Stephen Hawking's 'Brief History of Time'. If you are looking to relearn what they didn't teach you in school, or have a high-schooler asking doubts, or simply want some insights in spacetime, this is a great fun book to read/listen. Yet, there is no guarantee that you can wrap your mind around the f.a.c.t that time stretches in space ;-)

A very good resource.

Great course! Presented on a good level for all to learn and understand. Prof was very engaging and enlightening.

Interesting and little bit overwhelming

I was always interested in theory of relativity and everything related to it. The book focuses on more than I expected and it can be quite overwhelming when you're not physician. The author is so excited about the topic, that it's sometimes difficult to follow and you have to really focus. He speaks quite fast and makes sideways. But overall it was good experience and helped me to explain physics, waves, gravity, black holes etc. in general. I think it's better to listen to it few times to really grasp the topic. The sound and narrating quality is good and I'm glad there is PDF with some info and examples that you can follow. It really helps to visualize what he is talking about.

Fair Course

Fairly good... It's old............... Pre year 2000
....... But interesting
....... Update needed....... Mmmm nnnnn

Relativity theory part fantastic

Great book, especillay the first part about relativity. Very interessting to get the history leading to the breakthrows