FEAR OF A BLACK UNIVERSE
Details
Where does great physics come from? As a young graduate student, cosmologist Stephon Alexander had a life-changing lesson in the subject. When asked by the legendary theoretical physicist Christopher Isham why he had attended graduate school, Alexander answered: ''To become a better physicist.'' He could hardly have anticipated Isham's response: ''Then stop reading those physics books.'' Instead, Isham said, Alexander should start listening to his dreams. This is only the first of a great many surprising and even shocking lessons in Fear of a Black Universe. As Alexander explains, greatness in physics requires transgression, a willingness to reject conventional expectations. He shows why progress happens when some physicists come to think outside the mainstream, and both the outsiders and insiders respond to the resulting tensions. He also shows why, as in great jazz, great physics requires a willingness to make things up as one goes along, and a willingness to rely on intuition when the path forward isn't clear. Unfortunately, most physicists are too afraid of being wrong -- and jeopardizing their careers -- to embrace this sort of improvisation. Indeed, for a long time Alexander was, too. Of course, Alexander doesn't mean that physics should be lawless. After all, even jazz musicians must respect the key and tempo of the music their fellow musicians are playing. But it does mean that not all the answers can be found, as Isham argued, as equations in a book. Drawing on Einstein's notion of principle theories -- ideas that constrain the shape that other theories take --
| Author: | ALEXANDER STEPHON |
|---|---|
| ISBN-13: | 9781541699632 |
| Publisher: | HACHETTE BOOK GROUP USA |
|---|
Shipping Info
Once the order has been picked and packed, it will be sent via Standard, 2nd Business Day, or Next Business Day delivery. Arrival times are dependent on item availability and ship-from location. Saturday deliveries in most areas. Severe weather, natural disasters, and other conditions beyond our control can occasionally disrupt shipping services.
- Standard (arrives in 4-7 days)
- 2nd Business Day (arrives in 3-4 days)
- Next Business Day (arrives in 2-3 days)
For ONLINE ONLY items, shipping is not available to PO Boxes, APO/ FPO/ DPO, or international addresses. Ships to Continental U.S. only. View Description & Details for additional shipping details related to the item.
Return Policy
A valid receipt or packing slip is required for all refunds or exchanges. Shipping and handling fees are not refundable.
Hardware & Software
Unopened computer hardware and software must be returned within 14 days of purchase for a full refund.
Electronic Software Download (ESD) purchases are Final and Non-Returnable.
Other Merchandise
For questions related to ONLINE ONLY product returns or items received, contact your Campus Store or Customer Service at 1-888-279-8008.
All other merchandise that is unopened and in original condition can be returned within 30 days of purchase.