The Evidence for Modern Physics

How We Know What We Know

By: Professor Don Lincoln, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Professor Don Lincoln

Length: 11 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's Summary

How do we know the universe is 13.8 billion years old? How do we know the speed of light is 299,792,458 meters per second? How do we know there are subatomic particles that live less than a trillionth of a trillionth of a second? Studying how physicists make discoveries is the best way to understand key developments in modern physics - from quantum mechanics, to the theory of relativity, to cosmology. 

In this 24-lesson course aimed at non-scientists, noted particle physicist Dr. Don Lincoln of Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory covers more than a century of progress in physics, describing exactly how scientists reach the conclusions they do. He starts with the atom, which was long hypothesized, but wasn’t definitively proven until a paper by Albert Einstein in 1905. That was just the beginning, as researchers probed ever deeper into the atom’s complex structure, leading to the weird findings of quantum mechanics. Meanwhile, Einstein’s more famous work in relativity overturned conceptions of time and space, especially in the realm of the super-fast and ultra-massive.

Relativity and quantum theory are notoriously counterintuitive, but Dr. Lincoln shows why their conclusions must be true. He does the same for cosmology, which has advanced from the view that the Milky Way galaxy is all that exists, to the realization that there are likely a trillion of galaxies in the observable universe. Along the way, he deals with the Big Bang, black holes, dark matter, dark energy, and cosmic inflation, among other ideas. Some are purely speculative, but he points out what it would take to prove them.

The Evidence for Modern Physics is an intellectual roller-coaster ride that will amaze and enlighten. As Dr. Lincoln says, “You must wonder how we can say with such certainty that the world of the super-fast and ultra-small follow such bizarre rules. Well, you’re in luck, because that’s exactly what this course is about.”

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

©2021 The Great Courses (P)2021 The Teaching Company, LLC

Strongly Recommend for Everyone

Dr. Lincoln mentioned that he considered this to be his best Great Courses entry to date, and I absolutely endorse this opinion. Accessible and funny, Dr. Lincoln outlines (at a high, conceptual level, although resources and references for those wishing to delve into more technical aspects) a brief history of why physicists claim to know what they know. In short, it is all based on repeatable evidence that has been expanding over centuries. Through the lecture series, important historical underpinnings are illustrated, which leads the listener to the current state of accepted science. Quite importantly, it also provides the audience with a window into what scientists actually do, which is ultimately an unfinished quest to figure out how the universe actually works. We, as a species, have much, much left to explore, and I personally love to follow the exciting progress and contemporary controversies in a more informed way, without having to get mired in equations and theory that can, at times, eclipse the larger picture.

Brilliant company for a complex subject

Professor Don Lincoln is a perfect companion for an exploration of modern physics. He has a wonderful, warm and inviting voice and he speaks to the listener with authority as well as humility. I am not gifted in mathematics -- but thanks to Professor Lincoln's deft and lucid explanations of some of the most challenging discoveries in physics and cosmology as well as some of the more abstract concepts such as dark matter and dark energy, I have come away knowing a lot more about how we came to be here in the universe. I hope he can create other courses like this -- I would gladly follow him anywhere.

Entertaining and educational!

One of the best great courses! So entertaining and yet so mind blowing! Makes modern physics fun to learn.

Fantastic and approachable

Professor does a great job of connecting the dots from one discovery to the next to make the more stunning discoveries in physics believable. If you're considering this course you probably wonder how th8ngs like the age of the universe, or more surprisingly, the size of the visible universe, are known. If so, this is the course for you. Dark matter, dark energy, relativity, and more are covered and explained in an approachable and enjoyable manner.

Without the Forced Jokes It'd be Fantastic

I made it six hours into this before I finally couldn't take it. I am a comical guy. I like analogies that help explain complex scientific concepts, but my God. I couldn't take the forced jokes any longer. After the narrator stops inserting a pointless joke every 2 minutes (and i literally mean every 2 minutes), the information is extremely interesting and fascinating. If the guy would just stop making unnecessary jokes, I would have totally enjoyed this. The material is fantastic, but the narrator, I can't take for one more second. The first 5 minutes of every chapter is one pointless joke after another and the last 5 minutes is where the real meat of the concepts are. it's just so sad. Great material, can't stand the guy.

Good review of what we know about physics

I enjoyed the review of many concepts of modern physics from the Big Bang to problems that quantum physics has given gravity. Prof Lincoln’s voice trails off at the end of sentences which makes it hard to hear all the concepts. I enjoyed it.

Truly inspirational lectures, thankful to learn

Professor Don Lincoln does an exceptional job connecting/relating modern day Quantum Physics theories, discoveries, and DATA back to what Einstein blindly theorized, and Classical Physics in general. Really did an excellent job helping me understand how Quantum Physics can be applied on a relatable, understandable level in my own life and experiences. I am inspired to shift careers the more I learn Physics, and Professor Don Lincoln substantially helped to reinforce that idea.

you'll have to just trust me ?

This is the strangest rendering of physics and science I ever came across. I can't be sure who is supposed to benefit from this type of presentation. it tries to be humorous at TBE expense of accurate and is summer own to nearly insulting to my middle school child. I' advise the listener to verify most of what was presented here.

Excellent course

Well organized, interesting, and understandable. The professor has a good speaking voice,, and he interjects just the right amount of humor and colloquial speech.

WOW!

I had no idea the Great Courses were like this! After listening to this I’m hooked. Very clear, concise, and understandable for the average listener. Cannot recommend enough…a fantastic listening experience.

Comprehensive and Comprehensible

This is the second Audible book I have 'read' authored by professor Lincoln. The other was 'The Misconceptions of Science'. Really pleased to say that he has maintained the high standards he set first time around. The book and the accompanying pdf are a great source of information that deals with the most interesting and testing topics in physics, astronomy from early to the most recent developments in both disciplines. Challenging, interesting and made understandable. Would highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in science.

Great for the complete novice.

Well, we know a lot about the Cosmos, even though that is a tiny bit, and we know how a lot of principles work, but we don't necessarily know why, and there are a lot of asumptions about what cannot be!
A great listen for the total lay person put across with sometimes dubious humour! or anybody interested in what and how the most eminent theories came about and are tested.

Superb introduction to modern physics

One of the most engaging presentations I’ve heard on the limits of what we know, and why - and what we know requires further investigation and supporting evidence. The course also provides extensive pointers to subsequent study material.

Engaging and enlightening

Throughly enjoyed the book. Found all of the topics engaging and kept me fascinated all the way.

Very interesting and a little deeper than most of the into to Astro physics books on offer

This was the perfect depth for someone interested on going a little deeper into the quantum world. Still able to follow (most) of the detail.

Fascinating Content

Really well narrated. Well structured into lessons that build upin each other. . Throughly enjoyed this book.

Seriously impressed! On the second listen.

Incredible content, engaging narration and super interesting content. The way Professor Lincoln breaks down the concepts throughout the book is easy for the layperson to digest (in my opinion). I wish he would create another course.