His “Two Cultures” argument is spot on. That’s why, after a 50 year career as a research professor of physics, I’ve given up my three research grants to devote myself to teaching non science students about relativity, quantum mechanics, and the early universe. This is to pay them back for their tax support of my career and to help introduce them to their world. A part of the course requires then to read great expository books like Lawrence’s.
Apr 29, 2023·edited Apr 29, 2023Liked by Lawrence M. Krauss
"...to devote myself to teaching non science students about relativity, quantum mechanics, and the early universe." What a marvelous idea! I'm in my late 70's, with only an Associate of Arts degree, but I find Dr. Krauss' books so fascinating for that very reason. Such courses as you mention should be taught in all high schools as well as to freshman and sophomores in college. I predict that more than a few would be inspired to explore the subject on a professional level. And, even if they don't pursue the subject further, the understanding gained would be invaluable. Just now, I read in Dr. Krauss' Hiding in the Mirror: “People adapt what they perceive are scientific ideas and apply them with their own particular prejudices. They pick and choose what resonates, and the results may ultimately bear little resemblance to the actual underlying science.” -- exactly why your project is needed now more than ever.
For a review of The Edge of Knowledge, it seemed to me that Sharp spent too much ink on other authors. I have always enjoyed, and learned much from, Richard Dawkins' books, and I've read Dennett's Darwin's Dangerous Idea. But this review was about The Edge of Knowledge. Nevertheless, I hope it wets the appetite of the public. Although Sharp was "somewhat flummoxed" by the physics, I'm confident that my reading of Dr. Krauss' other books will give me the background to understand the material in the new book.
His “Two Cultures” argument is spot on. That’s why, after a 50 year career as a research professor of physics, I’ve given up my three research grants to devote myself to teaching non science students about relativity, quantum mechanics, and the early universe. This is to pay them back for their tax support of my career and to help introduce them to their world. A part of the course requires then to read great expository books like Lawrence’s.
"...to devote myself to teaching non science students about relativity, quantum mechanics, and the early universe." What a marvelous idea! I'm in my late 70's, with only an Associate of Arts degree, but I find Dr. Krauss' books so fascinating for that very reason. Such courses as you mention should be taught in all high schools as well as to freshman and sophomores in college. I predict that more than a few would be inspired to explore the subject on a professional level. And, even if they don't pursue the subject further, the understanding gained would be invaluable. Just now, I read in Dr. Krauss' Hiding in the Mirror: “People adapt what they perceive are scientific ideas and apply them with their own particular prejudices. They pick and choose what resonates, and the results may ultimately bear little resemblance to the actual underlying science.” -- exactly why your project is needed now more than ever.
Thanks Ray.. As our late colleague, the atheist Nobel Laureate Steve Weinberg would have put it, you are doing God's work. :)
For a review of The Edge of Knowledge, it seemed to me that Sharp spent too much ink on other authors. I have always enjoyed, and learned much from, Richard Dawkins' books, and I've read Dennett's Darwin's Dangerous Idea. But this review was about The Edge of Knowledge. Nevertheless, I hope it wets the appetite of the public. Although Sharp was "somewhat flummoxed" by the physics, I'm confident that my reading of Dr. Krauss' other books will give me the background to understand the material in the new book.