Lost in math how beauty leads physics astray / Sabine Hossenfelder.

Author/creator Hossenfelder, Sabine, 1976-
Format Electronic
EditionFirst edition.
Publication InfoNew York : Basic Books, 2018.
Descriptionxi, 291 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm
Supplemental ContentFull text available from eBooks on EBSCOhost
Subjects

Abstract "Whether pondering black holes or predicting discoveries at CERN, physicists believe the best theories are beautiful, natural, and elegant, and this standard separates popular theories from disposable ones. This is why, Sabine Hossenfelder argues, we have not seen a major breakthrough in the foundations of physics for more than four decades. The belief in beauty has become so dogmatic that it now conflicts with scientific objectivity: observation has been unable to confirm mindboggling theories, like supersymmetry or grand unification, invented by physicists based on aesthetic criteria. Worse, these "too good to not be true" theories are actually untestable and they have left the field in a cul-de-sac. To escape, physicists must rethink their methods. Only by embracing reality as it is can science discover the truth"-- Provided by publisher.
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references and index.
Access restrictionAvailable only to authorized users.
Technical detailsMode of access: World Wide Web
Genre/formElectronic books.
LCCN 2017057165
ISBN9780465094257 (hardcover)
ISBN0465094252 (hardcover)
ISBN(ebook)
ISBN(ebook)

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