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

Great course

I am a physics major and I truly got a lot out of this series of lectures. Complicated concepts explained very well. I would recommend highly.

Simple explanations to complex ideas

The course is very thorough in its description of modern physics, classical physics, and quantum mechanics. It also examines some of the unsolved mysteries that still exist today in physics. Well worth the time!

Fascinating overview of Physics.

This was a very well delivered lecture series about physics. It was easy to follow and captivating through out the series, even the more abstract concepts were understood. A must listen for anyone interested in physics to any degree.

Very cool

This is a great course. If you have an interest in our universe and what our current understanding is than this is for you. This course have given me a genuine interest in wanting to know more.

I think Richards progress through the course is well paced although for me he races a little sometimes.

You don't have to be like this.

I enjoyed listening to this lecture. I do not have a strong science background, but it was not difficult to understand concepts talked about in the lecture. The lecture started from the beginning of the study of physics to the in comprehendible theory of string. It was a good lesson. I enjoyed it

Worthwhile Listen

A good narrative on the evolution of physics - from before Newton's interpretation through to Einstein's Theory of General Relativity. The course then turns to discuss our modern interpretation of particle physics and how this came to be.
All in all, a good listen.

More than what I expected

This audio book is a physics course for a lifetime. One of the few books on special or general relativity I've read or listened too that answered long standing questions while delivering new understandable concepts to me. I highly recommend this audio book of lectures. I will be listening to it over and over for a long time to come. I've read reviews complaining of not having a pdf or illustrations. I did not find this to be a problem. Thank you professor Wolfson and thank you to the teaching company.

Ok...

This was OK, the professor spoke very fast so I actually had to slow down the speed.

great for beginners

Great for beginners diving into this subject on their own or as guidance with the basics.

Very well explained without higher math

The author/professor explains the topics very well with resorting to higher math, making these topics more accessible to a larger non-math audience. The presentations are engaging and clear.