The Future of Theoretical Physics and Cosmology: Celebrating Stephen Hawking's Contributions to Physics

Description

Based on lectures given in honour of Stephen Hawking's sixtieth birthday, this book comprises contributions from some of the world's leading theoretical physicists. It begins with a section containing chapters by successful scientific popularisers, bringing to life both Hawking's work and other exciting developments in physics. The book then goes on to provide a critical evaluation of advanced subjects in modern cosmology and theoretical physics. Topics covered include the origin of the universe, warped spacetime, cosmological singularities, quantum gravity, black holes, string theory, quantum cosmology and inflation. As well as providing a fascinating overview of the wide variety of subject areas to which Stephen Hawking has contributed, this book represents an important assessment of prospects for the future of fundamental physics and cosmology.

'The collection of authors is uniformly impressive ... well-written and pedagogical ... this volume provides a rewarding experience for researchers interested in gravity, cosmology, and fundamental physics.' Sean M. Carroll, American Journal of Physics 'As the contributions show, the 21st century promises to become again an exciting time for gravitational physics ... will find its prominent place on my shelf.' Claus Kiefer, General Relativity and Gravitation '... even those with only a 'popular science' interest in recent developments in particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology will find much to interest them.' David Park, SIAM News '... a fascinating book, aimed at those physicists and mathematicians who have an interest in cosmology.' Mathematics Today ''The pictorial presentation ... instantly captures the reader's attention. ... an eminently readable record of a well-timed chorus of friends for someone like Hawking sitting on a perch aloft who hit his 60th birthday and travelled against time and tide.' Contemporary Physics