The Trouble with Physics Audiobook By Lee Smolin cover art

The Trouble with Physics

The Rise of String Theory, The Fall of a Science, and What Comes Next

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The Trouble with Physics

By: Lee Smolin
Narrated by: Walter Dixon
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In this illuminating book, the renowned theoretical physicist Lee Smolin argues that fundamental physics - the search for the laws of nature - is losing its way. Ambitious ideas about extra dimensions, exotic particles, multiple universes, and strings have captured the publics imagination - and the imagination of experts. But these ideas have not been tested experimentally, and some, like string theory, seem to offer no possibility of being tested. Yet these speculations dominate the field, attracting the best talent and much of the funding and creating a climate in which emerging physicists are often penalized for pursuing other avenues. As Smolin points out, the situation threatens to impede the very progress of science.

With clarity, passion, and authority, Smolin offers an unblinking assessment of the troubles that face modern physics - and an encouraging view of where the search for the next big idea may lead.

©2007 Lee Smolin (P)2010 Audible, Inc. History & Philosophy Philosophy Physics Science Cosmology Black Hole Mathematics Astronomy

Critic reviews

"Courting controversy, Smolin is a reflective, self-confident challenger to pro-string physicist-authors Brian Greene, Leonard Susskind, and Michio Kaku." (Booklist)
Insightful Physics Critique • Comprehensive Theoretical Analysis • Clear Narration • Thought-provoking Alternatives

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The author discusses the unusual situation of no real progress in physics for the last 3 decades and the quagmire it is currently in. He discusses the history of tossing in extra dimensions to get to a unified theory and the several failures along that path. In the 2nd part of the book he discusses the culture of groupthink in the physics community that would probably make it impossible for someone like Einstein to find a job in physics today (it was already hard for him in his own time).
The only important thing he does not mention is that most science today is funded by tax money coerced out of compliant tax subjects. These subjects are told to NOT think independently, that their preferences with their property are inferior to those of their masters. If you have a culture of subjugation (for most) at the root of the funding of physics, can you really expect these people to look favorably upon independent minds? Can you realistically expect that the influence of this funding can be fire walled? The funders got their money by shouting to subjects "comply or die", does it make sense that they treat the minds of physicists with respect and value someone that strays from the herd?

Very interesting book

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The message is clear and echos what I hear from other disciplines including medicine, engineering, and economics . Visuals to support the discussion about arguments supporting and challenging strong theory would have been helpful. Overall, I am glad I listened to the audio book.

The sociological pathology of research

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Would you try another book from Lee Smolin and/or Walter Dixon?

I will try another book by Lee Smolin but I wasn't very impressed with this one

Any additional comments?

Although the point of this book (We should spend more time and money on other physics ideas) is well taken I don't think it should have taken 15 hours to make it. I expected more out of this then I got from it.

Interesting but a little whiny

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Apart from some overly detailed sections about particular physics theories, this was an informative insider's view into the structure and processes of the physics community. I totally understand what Smolin is saying about the flaws in the system. It sounds like physics has streamlined and backed itself into a corner out of which its own system is preventing it from breaking free. It sounds kind of cultish, tbh. I thought Smolin made a good effort at suggesting practical ways to fix the problem, but idk that they'll work, since the 'system' is not owned and operated by one entity - it's a culture that by design culls those who question and could help it. Welcome to the Church of String Theory. 

The narrator was ok, but lacked something, perhaps understanding of the subject matter.

Physics is in trouble

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An overview of CTP, the huge shortcomings of String Theory, possible alternatives and the inability of the TP Establishment to pursue new paths and ideas beyond String Theory. Brilliant writing, very good reading. A must read for those familiar with 20/21 century Physics who want to keep being informed of its progress.

An overview of contemporary theorethical Physics

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