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

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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Publisher's 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, thought provoking set of lectures.

Wolfson provides a clear logical progression through classical physics and the discoveries that led to modern physics with a focus on relativity.
This is a great 30,000 foot look at relativity, it's implications on current physical models and the challenges currently facing physics.
Recommended for people, like me, with an interest in the discussions and thoughts behind relativity but don't have the time to explore all the math.
I listened to this lecture series in the car, to and from work, and found it easy to follow and interesting.

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4 people found this helpful

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engrossing!

Absolutely absorbing material with a wonderful delivery. I listened to it several times. Professor Wolfson is a superstar!

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3 people found this helpful

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Brilliant!

Very enjoyable! Prof Wolfson is fantastic, he is very enthusiastic and has a great explanatory style. A true pleasure to listen to!

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3 people found this helpful

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Great Insights

This guy explained concepts that had seemed obscure to me for years in a way that made sense. In particular, his explanations of quantum physics were clearer than any I’ve encountered before.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars

absolute quality

loved every minute. hanging for each lecture so informative, repetition on theories makes you remember easily

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Excellent

Clearly takes you through the process modern physics evolved out of classical physics. Every minute was riveting, couldn't recommend it more.

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  • Dan
  • 10-01-2017

I probably need to listen to it a few times

There are obviously a lot of very complicated ideas I'm this audio book. You'd definitely need a basic understanding of science to grasp it... but it does a good job of explaining special relativity simply. Quantum physics and general relativity I will need to re listen to!

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Fantastic

Wolfson is great - enthusiastic, engaging and very knowledgeable. The explorations of this mind bending world far from our day to day experience are clear, understandable and have left me wanting to understand more. I particularly enjoyed following him on the journey of physics through time. This gave me some appreciation for the insight and genius demonstrated by the great scientists in unravelling the mysteries of our world.
Highly recommended.

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Remember non-scientist's, this is still physics

and it's quite difficult at times. I have listened to this 4 times now and with 160 accommodating pages to go with the lectures. I had more than enough to keep busy for couple of months.

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Good - but recorded 25 years ago

Good content and well delivered.
It was recorded in the 90’s and referred to cassette players etc, so would be good if there was an updated version.

Despite that, highly recommend for understanding the basic tenants!

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