The Character of Physical Law

Rating:
Summary: Physics a la Feynman
Review: This reference, intended for the general reader with no more than a high school physics background, or even without such background, treats physics as a delightful, seemingly quite common sense, adventure in discovery. In the abridged audio version, the laws of gravitation are first considered, then conservation principles, and then phenomenon of symmetry in physical laws. Whether physics can distinguish between past and future is then considered, and although the 1965 perspective is somewhat dated, the concepts nonetheless remain valid. Quantum mechanics is then presented with imagination and enthusiasm. The reference closes with a philosophical consideration of how theorists produce new laws of physics, with Feynman reminding us that it doesn't matter who the physicist is, or how smart he/she is, or how he/she came up with the new law -- if it disagrees with experiment, then it is wrong.

Rating:
Summary: Genius!
Review: What is better than learning physics from the giant in physics himself? The ideas in his lectures are so enlightening and well explained that it is a MUST read for anyone interested in physics, in despite of his or her technical background. Being a high school student, I have, nontheless, grasped most of his clear presentation. His explanation on quantum theory and the analogies he makes are just the best I've ever read. His lectures are, by no means, straightforward or ordinary. I have to read some parts twice or three time to fully understand what he is trying to convey. Keep in mind when reading it: This is a true genius talking.