Quantum Gravity (Cambridge Monographs on Mathematical Physics) by Carlo Rovelli (29-Nov-2007) Paperback

Cambridge Monographs on Mathematical Physics

by Carlo Rovelli

Quantum gravity is one of the major "open" problems in theoretical physics, and the loop and spinfoam approach in this book is a major research area in the field. Emphasizing conceptual and foundational issues raised by quantum gravity, especially on the nature of space and time, the text is intended for researchers working in quantum gravity and graduate students.

Genres: Physics, Science, Nonfiction, Textbooks, Reference, Mathematics, Quantum Mechanics

Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Carlo Rovelli is an Italian theoretical physicist and writer who has worked in Italy and the USA, and currently works in France. His work is mainly in the field of quantum gravity, where he is among the founders of the loop quantum gravity theory. He has also worked in the history and philosophy of science. He collaborates regularly with several Italian newspapers, in particular the cultural supplements of Il Sole 24 Ore and La Repubblica.

Reviews

[Nadir · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you mean you don't want to read a technical monograph on quantum gravity?

[Kevin K. Gillette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carlo Rovelli is a very personable physicist. This is not to suggest that physicists are, in general, not personable, of course - simply to say that Prof. Rovelli is perhaps above and beyond. Part of this may stem from his interest not merely in the physics itself, but the broader topic of the philosophy of time and space, on which he has written at length elsewhere.

This volume is generally accessible to anyone with at least a beginning graduate-level mathematics or senior-undergraduate-level physics background. The chapters seem to alternate between those with mathematically sophisticated discussion and those that deal more in the philosophical realm. Both types of chapters are worthy of concentration, as this view of the physical structure of reality is one of the leading contenders for the Theory of Everything.

Rovelli's humility and sense of humor come through frequently in his writing. For example, in one chapter he develops an equation, and then states, "This equation codifies our ignorance about what's really happening" (slight paraphrasing here).

For a thorough grounding in this subject by a world-class scientist and thinker, you can't go wrong with this volume.

[Ashley Vu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Understanding of general relativity and quantum physics have altered how I see the world completely. First part of the book took you through the brief history of how us as human change our perception of reality, from ancient Greek philosophy through to the different evolutions in physics.

Second part of the book focuses on the concept of quantum gravity, which is quite difficult to grasp. But very fascinating.

In the end, the book imposes a very important statement. We have to acknowledge our ignorance and limited intuition when we are still trying to grasp quantum gravity and ultimately what is reality. It is this sense of humbleness, not the confidence that we already have an ultimate understanding of the world, that will drive our knowledge forward.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

There I was thinking that String Theory was cool... and then I read this book!
Mind. Blown.
Highly recommended to anyone interested in physics especially quantum physics.

[Richard Kleeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best technical introduction to the subject of loop theory. The book by Thiemann is too self consciously mathematical. The only problem with this book is that Rovelli plunges into subjects too rapidly at times and pushes papers by himself too much.

[Lulu]

Loop quantum gravity and spin foams