In the beginning was the word ... -- The invaluable concept of force -- The indispensible idea of fields -- The ingenious notion of atoms -- The unimaginable unity of spacetime -- The imponderable nature of matter -- The intransigent presence of paradox -- The inexhaustible fecundity of space -- The improbable prevelance of symmetry -- W, Z fields -- The ineffable color of quarks -- The unquestionable imagination of physicists -- The inscrutable essence of mathematics -- The unspeakable power of language -- The last word.
In the beginning was the word ... -- The invaluable concept of force -- The indispensible idea of fields -- The ingenious notion of atoms -- The unimaginable unity of spacetime -- The imponderable nature of matter -- The intransigent presence of paradox -- The inexhaustible fecundity of space -- The improbable prevelance of symmetry -- W, Z fields -- The ineffable color of quarks -- The unquestionable imagination of physicists -- The inscrutable essence of mathematics -- The unspeakable power of language -- The last word.
Reviews provided by Syndetics
Booklist Review
Gregory's challenging study successfully uses the world of physics to demonstrate the effect of language on the perception and construction of reality, and it uses that language to illuminate the increasingly abstract concepts created by molecular physics. Gregory pursues this double goal through an exploration of classical and quantum-based physics, involving concepts such as fields, atoms, and symmetry. Because much in molecular physics cannot be clearly demonstrated, the author writes, this approach provides a wide variety of opportunities to see the clear line between language and data. Gregory offers examples of these rather complex notions: without changing mathematical theories, investigators redefined terms in order to further research; Newton's laws explained planetary movements on a limited basis, while the terms of relativity fostered comprehensive explanations; and the development of quantum mechanics ended the picture of electrons as discrete circling particles. Though sometimes posing difficulties, Gregory's treatise is popularly rendered, presenting improved understanding of the work of physicists and a deeper recognition of the limitations of human communication. Appendixes, notes, bibliography; to be indexed. VND.