#8020
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 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 
Brian Keating as the author of "Lost in Math", a book critical of certain approaches in theoretical physics.
Brian Keating as the author of "Lost in Math", a book critical of certain approaches in theoretical physics.
Brian Keating on Theories of Everything, Free Will, and thoughts on Eric Weinstein's / Wolfram's TOE
Mentioned by 
Russ Roberts as a book exploring the state of our knowledge about the physical world and raising philosophical and methodological questions.
Russ Roberts as a book exploring the state of our knowledge about the physical world and raising philosophical and methodological questions.
Sabine Hossenfelder on Physics, Reality, and Lost in Math
Mentioned by the speaker as a book they are looking forward to reading.
"Electrons Don’t Think"? (response to Sabine Hossenfelder)
Mentioned by Sean Carroll, discussing the author's argument that physicists' obsession with beauty has led to bad science.
AMA | February 2021
