On Space and Time (Canto Classics) 1st Edition by Shahn Majid (PDF)

Description

This book gets to the heart of science by asking a fundamental question about its essence: what is the true nature of space and time? Both defy modern physics and scientists find themselves continually searching for answers. This unique volume brings together world leaders in cosmology, particle physics, quantum gravity, mathematics, philosophy and theology, to provide fresh insights into the deep structure of space and time. In an attempt to understand the question, subjects ranging from dark matter to the philosophical and theological implications of spacetime are covered, ensuring that the issue is thoroughly explored. Interesting and thought-provoking answers provide a well-rounded read.

User’s Reviews

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐The book contains six essays on allegedly related topics (you can always try to make completely unrelated things look related).The first chapter by Andrew Taylor is by far the easiest to follow. It is a brief summary of cosmology – in particular the theoretical background and physical evidence of the cosmological constant. It can at times get technical – e.g. there is a significant discussion on baryonic acoustic oscillation; but overall it is very readable.The second chapter by Shahn Majid is also quite easy to read – although he has some quite profound idea which in the end is quite difficult to grasp. It explains why general relativity is not compactible with quantum machanics and proposes that quantization of space-time may solve this problem. This implies non-commutative geometry. Professor Majid’s version of non-communtative geometry is called “braided algebra” – which I understands is related to braid theory – but is otherwise too technical to follow. It also invloves Hopf algebra – this bit is easier to comprehend. The essay then becomes quite vague (the author admits that it has to be the case because the mathematics become too intricate). It is then claimed that certain form of non-commutative geometry may solve the mystery of how to demystify the Copenhagen interpretation – i.e. there is no difference between the nature of an observer and its/his/her observed event. It then becomes very difficult to follow when he claims that this solution will also imply the explanation of the observed value of the cosmological constant.The third chapter by Sir Roger Penrose, to me, is the most rewarding. Essentially it explains the concept of the manifold; then the mystery of extremely low entropy at the big bang; and then explain how Conformal Cyclic Cosmology can work. Very fascinating and much more easy to read than his other book

⭐.Chapter 4 by Alain Connes, I have to admit, is impenetrable. And the last two chapters (Ch 5 and 6) are really on theology – I really do not know why they are included.In summary, pp 1-195 are fantastic; pp 196-283 are either unreadable or slightly irrelevant. Three stars.

⭐OK: Andrew Taylor presentation “The Dark Universe” is a great summary of what we know (or do not know) about the Universe. This itself deserves 5 stars. Michael Heller’s thoughts are interesting and several pages entry by Polkinghorne is readable, though looks like a quick filler to me. But…Roger Penrose presents heavily his new concept (model) of Conformal Cyclic Cosmology using Weyl curvature tensor (hypothesis). He recently published his own book on the subject. Shahan Majid shows his theoretical and speculative views related to self-duality principle of reality perception, using “deformed geometry” and abstract algebra (the best is Fig.2.13 – Plato’s cave allegory), while “noncommutative” Alain Connes..well, I just had enough and skipped it – too much “math by words”. Avoid it, unless you want to realy struggle throughout almost 200 pages.

⭐Meaty book. Not light reading. Informative. Mind bending. The universe is mysterious and amazing. We know less than we think!

⭐Great

⭐I recommend this book for folks with some education in physics and mathematics. It needn’t be exhaustive but you’ll appreciate it. You should at least have a year of college physics and calculus at the minimum. Preferably a couple of years worth. If you’re really interested in science and mathematics but lack these basic courses I would recommend trying many other popularizations of this material as they’ll be more enjoyable. To really enjoy this book I’d recommend degrees, you’ll just see more of what’s going on.This is a partial review as I’m nearing the end of the second chapter, Majid’s article. It’s a well balanced chapter that gives the reader the sense of what folks like Majid (and Connes) are trying to do in the arena of quantum gravity with noncommutative geometry. There’s clearly a deep sense and understanding of mathematics, physics and philosophy and he delivers clear and powerful ideas steadily through the chapter. I’ll be adding some of his papers to my reading list in the future.I’m also looking forward to reading Connes chapter but I want to warn readers not to get their hopes up. Noncommutative geometry does not have a simple exposition. There isn’t one. You must have a minimum of a master’s in mathematics before you begin to read simplified introductions. Take a gander at “Very Basic Noncommutative Geometry” by Khalkahli. You can find it on arxiv.I’ll add more when I finish, but this is a great read for those of you with experience in physics and mathematics (preferably degrees) who are looking for something beyond the usual oversimplifications written for the layperson.

⭐This book not only clearly and thoroughly explains the scientific concepts but also provides insights into the metaphysical controversies inside the scientific community about the subject.

⭐Ein hervorragender Sammelband zu den Rätseln von Raum und Zeit. Von renommierten Experten gut verständlich geschrieben, aber anspruchsvoll. Nichts für absolute Anfänger. Mit Vorkenntnissen liest sich das Buch hervorragend, zumal unterschiedliche Perspektiven aufeinander prallen und die gegenwärtigen Problem mit verschiedenen theoretischen Annahmen und Hintergründen diskutieren. Abschließende Antworten darf man hier nicht erwarten, das liegt in der Natur der Sache. Sehr wohl aber einen faszinierenden Einblick in Ideen, Konzepte und Probleme.Roger Penrose hat seinen hier erstmals ausführlich vorgestellten Ansatz inzwischen in seinem Buch

⭐Cycles of Time: An Extraordinary New View of the Universe

⭐im Detail ausgearbeitet und auch teilweise modifiziert.Einziger Schwachpunkt: Die Loop Quantum Gravity kommt in dem Buch zu kurz und hat doch große Verdienste. Eine populärwissenschaftliche Einführung dazu gibt

⭐Tunnel durch Raum und Zeit: Von Einstein zu Hawking: Schwarze Löcher, Zeitreisen und Überlichtgeschwindigkeit

⭐- und in die Rätsel der Zeit allgemein

⭐Hawkings neues Universum: Raum, Zeit und Ewigkeit Hawkings neueste Erkenntnisse verstehen: Wie es zum Urknall kam

⭐Fazit: Ein sehr empfehlenswertes Buch. (Auf Inhaltsangaben habe ich hier verzichtet, davon kann sich jeder einen detaillierten Einblick mit dem “Blick ins Buch” verschaffen.)

⭐A very good book indeed ! You will get a thorough go through about different theories on space and time put forward by eminent scientists and philosophers. This book is really awesome and one can not stop reading it as it engages the reader continuously without getting him bored. Do not worry about math, as the authors try thier best to be as simple as possible but they do not compromise on the ideas put forward !!Also the page and book quality is very very good that you would like to keep it in your collective library ;)Wishing you a good read !

⭐I thought it was much too technical (mathematical). Chapter 5, “Where physics meets metaphysics” by Michael Heller excepted. Heller could explain very complex concept in a way quite understandable to the non professional. Chapter 5 was a very satisfying read.

⭐Excellent but very technical book

Keywords

Free Download On Space and Time (Canto Classics) 1st Edition in PDF format
On Space and Time (Canto Classics) 1st Edition PDF Free Download
Download On Space and Time (Canto Classics) 1st Edition 2012 PDF Free
On Space and Time (Canto Classics) 1st Edition 2012 PDF Free Download
Download On Space and Time (Canto Classics) 1st Edition PDF
Free Download Ebook On Space and Time (Canto Classics) 1st Edition