Nature of space-time

Author: Stephen Hawking
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-02-01
Features: General relativity was expressed in complete mathematical form 80 years ago, and the basic principles of quantum theory emerged 70 years ago. Yet, can these two of the most precise and successful theories in physics be unified within a single quantum gravity? The world's two most renowned physicists engage in a debate on this issue. This book is based on six lectures and a subsequent debate between Hawking and Penrose at Cambridge University. It is part of the "Pushing Forward Series, Volume 2." Einstein once said that the most incomprehensible thing about the universe is that it is comprehensible. Is he correct? Can the two highly precise and successful theories of quantum field theory and general relativity be unified within quantum gravity? Stephen Hawking and Roger Penrose debate this question. Michael Atiyah, Master of Trinity College, Cambridge, and former President of the Royal Society of London, considers this the most important debate of the century since the Einstein-Bohr debate. In a sense, today's debate can be seen as a continuation of that famous, prolonged debate over six decades ago. Here, Penrose takes on the role of Einstein, while Hawking plays the part of Bohr. Although the issues of the debate are different, just as in the past, philosophical perspectives and argumentative techniques intertwine, with creative inspiration gushing forth like a fountain, shining with the brilliance of human wisdom.