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Old 02-26-2014, 03:48 PM   #19068
WT Sharpe
Bah, humbug!
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Posts: 39,072
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Chesapeake, VA, USA
Device: Kindle Oasis, iPad Pro, & a Samsung Galaxy S9.
Trying to finish Our Mathematical Universe by Max Tegmark. It's only 432 pages, but in spots, especially in those sections where the author is trying to convince the reader of his rather remarkable assertion that "Our reality isn't just described by mathematics – it is mathematics," the book becomes rather uncomfortable heavily laden with mathematical terminology. Or at least it seems so to me; perhaps other more mathematically minded readers would find this book easier going.

This has been a very rewarding reading experience, even though I personally remain unconvinced not only of his main thesis, but the dangers inherent for the future of physics should what he calls the "Mathematical Universe Hypothesis" prove to be untrue, chief among which is the fact that if the universe isn't a mathematical object, then we are ultimately doomed to find a permanent roadblock down the road in our quest to understand reality.

This is a fascinating book, with side trips to alternate universes, doomsday scenarios, the need for scientists to use modern marketing methods to get their message out, and much more. I recommend this book, even though I don't find it's central argument convincing.
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