AMA | February 2021

In *Infinity and the Mind*, Rudy Rucker explores various forms of infinity, from mathematical and physical to theological and mundane. The book uses cartoons, puzzles, and quotations to explain complex concepts like Gödel's incompleteness theorems and their implications for artificial intelligence. It offers insights into the human mind and its limitations by examining paradoxes and the concept of the 'Mindscape'.

In 'The Book of Why', Judea Pearl and Dana Mackenzie delve into the causal revolution, which has transformed the way we distinguish between correlation and causation. The book introduces causal diagrams, such as Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAGs), and explains how to predict the effects of interventions. It addresses fundamental questions about causality and its implications in fields like medicine, economics, and artificial intelligence. The authors also discuss the potential of causal inference in enabling computers to understand counterfactuals and engage in moral decision-making.

This book by Douglas Hofstadter is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary work that explores the interrelated ideas of Kurt Gödel, M.C. Escher, and Johann Sebastian Bach. It delves into concepts such as self-reference, recursion, and the limits of formal systems, particularly through Gödel's Incompleteness Theorem. The book uses dialogues between fictional characters, including Achilles and the Tortoise, to intuitively present complex ideas before they are formally explained. It covers a wide range of topics including cognitive science, artificial intelligence, number theory, and the philosophy of mind, aiming to understand how consciousness and intelligence emerge from formal systems.

In 'American Nations,' Colin Woodard explores the history of North America through the lens of eleven rival regional cultures. He traces the cultural, ethnic, religious, and political differences among these regions, which have shaped the continent's past and continue to influence its future. The book provides a revelatory take on American identity and the ongoing conflicts between these regional cultures, from the Deep South to the Far West, and from Yankeedom to El Norte.

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.

In 'The Trouble with Physics', Lee Smolin critiques the current state of theoretical physics, particularly the dominance of string theory, which he argues lacks testable predictions and has become overly influential in the field. Smolin advocates for a more diverse approach to physics, emphasizing the need for theories that can be experimentally verified. The book explores the history of physics and the challenges faced by researchers in areas like quantum gravity and unification theories.

In 'Fundamentals: Ten Keys to Reality', Nobel laureate Frank Wilczek offers a simple yet profound exploration of reality, guiding readers through essential concepts such as time, space, matter, energy, complexity, and complementarity. The book synthesizes basic questions, facts, and speculations to illuminate our understanding of the universe and our place within it. Wilczek's approach is both accessible and authoritative, making advanced physics understandable for a broad audience.