Physics In Crisis: From Multiverses To Fake News

Physics has made great advances in technology, but the two foundational concepts, Quantum Theory and General Relativity, are incompatible. Artificial intelligence threatens to replace our theories and procedures with arcane algorithms, and the public understands physics poorly. Physicists dream of a new universal theory, but the next steps may be incremental. Bruno Mansoulié's book, Physics in Crisis, addresses these questions and reflects on how to solve them.

Format: Hardback
Length: 172 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2022
Publisher: World Scientific Europe Ltd

Physics has made remarkable strides in the technology we rely on daily, revolutionizing everything from cell phones and GPS systems to PET scans and beyond. Current theories in physics have proven incredibly effective in practical applications, but there are underlying issues that require attention. The two fundamental concepts in physics, Quantum Theory and General Relativity, are incompatible with each other, and observations of the universe suggest that our current theories are incomplete, at best.

To address this impasse, physicists have resorted to inventing concepts such as dark matter and dark energy, but these remain unobserved mysteries. Moreover, the rise of artificial intelligence threatens to replace our cherished theories and procedures with arcane algorithms, further exacerbating the crises.

Unfortunately, the public's understanding of physics is often inadequate, with many either taking it for granted or fearing and rejecting it altogether. Physicists long for a new universal theory that will fundamentally alter our perception of the world, much as Einstein's relativity and Newton's gravity did. Society also cherishes the romantic notion of a single genius heroically creating a massive paradigm shift. However, is such a scenario likely in today's context?

It is possible that the next steps in physics will be incremental rather than monumental. In his book Physics in Crisis, Bruno Mansoulié employs a straightforward language, insightful examples, and his personal experience as a working physicist to delve into these fundamental questions and explore potential solutions to the crises in physics.

By addressing these issues and reflecting on the current state of physics, Mansoulié offers valuable insights into the challenges we face and the potential pathways forward. His book serves as a call to action, encouraging readers to engage with the complexities of physics and to contribute to the ongoing quest for knowledge and understanding.

Weight: 404g
Dimension: 158 x 235 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800612341