

#7071
Mentioned in 4 episodes
Lost in math
How Beauty Leads Physics Astray
Book • 2018
In 'Lost in Math', Sabine Hossenfelder critiques the dominance of the concept of 'beauty' in theoretical particle physics.
She argues that the emphasis on mathematical elegance and symmetry has hindered progress in the field, leading to untestable theories such as string theory and supersymmetry.
Through interviews with prominent physicists and detailed analysis, Hossenfelder highlights the problems with current approaches and suggests that a more pragmatic and evidence-based approach is needed.
The book also explores historical examples where 'beautiful' theories were initially rejected but later proven correct, and it questions the anthropic arguments that some physicists use to justify untestable theories.
She argues that the emphasis on mathematical elegance and symmetry has hindered progress in the field, leading to untestable theories such as string theory and supersymmetry.
Through interviews with prominent physicists and detailed analysis, Hossenfelder highlights the problems with current approaches and suggests that a more pragmatic and evidence-based approach is needed.
The book also explores historical examples where 'beautiful' theories were initially rejected but later proven correct, and it questions the anthropic arguments that some physicists use to justify untestable theories.
Mentioned by












Mentioned in 4 episodes
Mentioned by 

in the discussion about the role of beauty in physics.


Lex Fridman

110 snips
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Mentioned by 

as one of the books that impacted his views on physics.


Curt Jaimungal

53 snips
What's Wrong With (Fundamental) Physics? | Sabine Hossenfelder
Mentioned by Matt and Chris as a science communicator who has expressed concerns about the state of physics and science.

13 snips
Sabine Hossenfelder: Science is a Liar ... Sometimes
Mentioned by 

as the author of "Lost in Math", a book critical of certain approaches in theoretical physics.


Brian Keating

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Mentioned by 

as a book discussing the issues in the foundations of physics.


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Sabine Hossenfelder on Theories of Everything, Consciousness, and Truth
Mentioned by 

as a book exploring the state of our knowledge about the physical world and raising philosophical and methodological questions.


Russ Roberts

Sabine Hossenfelder on Physics, Reality, and Lost in Math
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as one of Sabina Hossenfelder's books, discussing science and physics.

Lawrence Krauss

What's New in Science With Sabine and Lawrence
Mentioned by the speaker as a book they are looking forward to reading.

"Electrons Don’t Think"? (response to Sabine Hossenfelder)
Mentioned by 

as a book that talks about how beauty is leading physics astray.


Chris Williamson

#038 - Robin Hanson - The Hidden Motives in Everyday Life
Mentioned by Sean Carroll, discussing the author's argument that physicists' obsession with beauty has led to bad science.

AMA | February 2021
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a critique of relying too much on mathematical beauty.

Charles-Antoine

Paul Dirac, l’entrée en antimatière