A Project to Find the Fundamental Theory of Physics

by Stephen Wolfram

Overview

The Wolfram Physics Project is a bold effort to find the fundamental theory of physics. It combines new ideas with the latest research in physics, mathematics and computation in the push to achieve this ultimate goal of science. Written with Stephen Wolfram's characteristic expository flair, this book provides a unique opportunity to learn about a historic initiative in science right as it is happening. A Project to Find the Fundamental Theory of Physics includes an accessible introduction to the project as well as core technical exposition and rich, never-before-seen visualizations.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781579550356
Publisher:	Wolfram Media, Inc.
Publication date:	06/19/2020
Pages:	778
Product dimensions:	7.44(w) x 9.69(h) x (d)

About the Author

Stephen Wolfram is a distinguished scientist and best-selling author, and the creator of some of the world's most respected software systems, including Mathematica, Wolfram|Alpha and the Wolfram Language. For more than 30 years he has been the CEO of the global technology company Wolfram Research.

Table of Contents

Preface
The Announcement:
Finally We May Have a Path to the Fundamental Theory of Physics... and It's Beautiful
I Never Expected This · How It Works · All Possible Rules · What Is Space? · The Dimensionality of Space · Curvature in Space & Einstein's Equations · Time · The Graph of Causal Relationships · The Importance of Causal Invariance · Deriving Special Relativity · What Is Energy? What Is Mass? · General Relativity and Gravity · Black Holes, Singularities, etc. · Cosmology · Elementary Particles--Old and New · The Inevitability of Quantum Mechanics · General Relativity and Quantum Mechanics Are the Same Idea! · Branchial Motion and the Entanglement Horizon · Finding the Ultimate Rule · Why This Universe? The Relativity of Rules · The Challenge of Language Design for the Universe · Let's Go Find the Fundamental Theory!
Technical Introduction:
A Class of Models with the Potential to Represent Fundamental Physics
Introduction · Basic Form of Models · Typical Behaviors · Limiting Behavior and Emergent Geometry · The Updating Process for String Substitution Systems · The Updating Process in Our Models · Equivalence and Computation in Our Models · Potential Relation to Physics · Notes & Further References
History:
How We Got Here: The Backstory of the Wolfram Physics Project
"Someday..." · Why Wasn't This Already Figured Out? · The Beginning of the Story · "You Can't Leave Physics" · Maybe It Could Apply to Physics · "Please Don't Do That Project" · Two Young Physicists and a Little Idea · Oh My Gosh, It's Actually Going to Work! · What Terrible Timing! · What Happens Now
Background:
A New Kind of Science: a 15-Year View (2017)
What Is Spacetime, Really? (2015)
The Foundations:
Fundamental Physics, from A New Kind of Science (2002)
Historical & Technical Notes
Index