The problems of physics, reconsidered - a conversation with tony leggett

This book is based on an in-depth conversation between Howard Burton and Physics Nobel Laureate Tony Leggett. The basis of this conversation is Tony Leggett's book The Problems of Physics and further explores the insightful plain-speaking itemization that he developed of the physics landscape according to four basic categories--the very small (particle physics), the very large (cosmology), the very complex (condensed matter physics) and the very unclear (foundations of quantum theory)--while providing a thoughtful follow-up analysis from a contemporary perspective to assess how much progress we've made and which mysteries remain or have come on the scene since the book was published. This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, The Gentleman Laureate, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter: I. Back to the Future - Setting the Stage II. The Very Small - Much the same III. The Very Large - Cosmology IV. A Glassy Digression - The perils of affirming the consequent V. The Very Complex - Condensed matter physics meets quantum information VI. Understanding - What it actually means VII. Different Regimes - Nature's Scales VIII. Schrödinger's Cat - Different domains? IX. The Slings and Arrows of Time - Irreversible? X. The Anthropic Principle - Better left unsaid? XI. The Future of Physics - From Louis Armstrong to topological quantum computing About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series: This book is part of a series of 100 Ideas Roadshow Conversations. Presented in an accessible, conversational format, Ideas Roadshow books not only explore frontline academic research featuring world-leading researchers, including 3 Nobel Laureates, but also reveal the inspirations and personal journeys behind the research.