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Einstein's Relativity and the Quantum Revolution: Modern Physics for Non-Scientists, 2nd Edition

By: Richard Wolfson, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Richard Wolfson
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Summary

"It doesn't take an Einstein to understand modern physics," says Professor Wolfson at the outset of these twenty-four lectures on what may be the most important subjects in the universe: relativity and quantum physics. Both have reputations for complexity. But the basic ideas behind them are, in fact, simple and comprehensible by anyone. These dynamic and illuminating lectures begin with a brief overview of theories of physical reality starting with Aristotle and culminating in Newtonian or "classical" physics. After that, you'll follow along as Professor Wolfson outlines the logic that led to Einstein's profound theory of special relativity and the simple yet far-reaching insight on which it rests. With that insight in mind, you'll move on to consider Einstein's theory of general relativity and its interpretation of gravitation in terms of the curvature of space and time.

From there, you'll embark on a dazzling exploration of how inquiry into matter at the atomic and subatomic scales led to quandaries that are resolved-or at least clarified-by quantum mechanics, a vision of physical reality so profound and so at odds with our experience that it nearly defies language.

By bringing relativity and quantum mechanics into the same picture, you'll chart the development of fascinating hypotheses about the origin, development, and possible futures of the entire universe, as well as the possibility that physics can produce a "theory of everything" to account for all aspects of the physical world. But the goal throughout these lectures remains the same: to present the key ideas of modern physics in a way that makes them clear to the interested layperson.

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

©2000 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2000 The Great Courses
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What listeners say about Einstein's Relativity and the Quantum Revolution: Modern Physics for Non-Scientists, 2nd Edition

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great explanation

Nice lectures, generally well narated but as giveb as a lecture he refers to visual material. Also he stumbles on occasion which would have edited and redone in a studio. Most importantly though he explains a complex subject well, giving me a few nice new insights. I wish I'd done more physics like his in school.

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amazing insight so very elequontly delivered.

very well presented course packed with so much information in an easily understandable manner.

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Very interesting!

It won't make you an astrophysicist but I recommend this book to anyone who is remotely interested in our universe. Definitely time well spend.

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Slightly outdated, but a good listen

Very well explained material, but did refer a lot to photos and drawings that obviously aren't available in this media. The subject matter could also do with updating slightly. The material refers to the LHC as in build, when it was completed some years ago and is in full use. Good overall background into the topic

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A Good Run Through The ideas of Physics

This series of lectures seems to be aimed at the serious undergraduate level of reader. It outlines the development of scientific thinking from the classical ages to the theories of the 2000's and brings provides the reasons for many of the modern deveopments. It is a long but addictive listen - best taken in easystages. Make sure you are sitting comfortably!

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Interesting, well explained

Good introduction to the subject. Good lecturer, easy to listen and digest most of the information.

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covers a lot of topics sometimes talks to fast

this was a great audio book covering so many interesting topics. the narrator speaks a little too fast at times though.

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great lecture series

quite amazing get that the reader manages to explain all of modern physics so well with so little maths. Very interesting for anyone wanting to understand this topic.

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Mark Childerley

Having listened twice to this audio file I felt that I'd gained quite a substantial amount of in depth knowledge on relativity.
Well put together and I would definitely recommend it to others.

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Very clear, logical and easy to digest

Any additional comments?

These lectures explain the relatively straight forward principals from which flow some very complex and bewildering physics. This is done in a clear and easy to follow way where much of the time the listener is lead to draw the conclusion that the lecturer is about to posit just in advance of it being stated.

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4 people found this helpful