Dave's Hobby Shop Book Department  

Title:  The Nature Of Space and Time

Author: Stephen Hawking and Roger Penrose
Edition: 1st paperback printing
ISBN: 0-691-05084-8
Date: 1996/2000
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Binding: Soft Cover
Size approximately (inches): 6 x 9
Pages: 141

Book Condition: Good. Previously owned. Some minor writing. Has original purchase receipt tapped to title page.

Special Notes: NA

About the book*

"The Nature of Space and Time" is a book based on a series of public lectures and debates between two of the most prominent theoretical physicists of the 20th century, Stephen Hawking and Roger Penrose. The paperback edition, like the original, presents a deep and technical yet engaging discussion of the fundamental nature of the universe.

Chapter (lecture) list:

1. Classical Theory
2. Structure of Spacetime Singularities
3. Quantum Black Holes
4. Quantum Cosmology
5. The Twistor View of Spacetime
6. The Debate

Synopsis:

The book captures a debate on six central topics in theoretical physics, such as the structure of spacetime, the role of singularities, the origin of the universe, the unification of general relativity and quantum mechanics, and the nature of time itself.

• Stephen Hawking argues from a viewpoint favoring quantum cosmology and a "no boundary" proposal for the universe, suggesting that time has no initial boundary and that the laws of quantum mechanics can be used to describe the universe’s origin without invoking singularities.

• Roger Penrose, on the other hand, emphasizes the incompleteness of quantum mechanics and defends the significance of general relativity, particularly its prediction of singularities like those in black holes and the Big Bang. He questions whether a fully consistent theory of quantum gravity has yet been found.

Together, the two explore whether classical general relativity or quantum mechanics will ultimately provide a better framework for understanding the cosmos. Their contrasting views offer rich insights into unsolved problems in modern physics, and the format encourages readers to compare two distinct philosophical and scientific approaches to these fundamental questions.

Key Themes:

• Nature and origin of space and time

• Role of black holes and singularities

• Quantum gravity

• The arrow of time

• Limits of current physical theories

Despite its technical depth, the book is accessible to readers with a strong interest in physics and some background knowledge. It is both a scientific dialogue and a philosophical exploration of reality at its most fundamental level.

We take a look at the book to determine the book's condition. We ship in protective packing to ensure it arrives in the best possible shape during shipping. 

While we try to indicate the condition of all books, used books may have publisher or retail store merchant price stickers, writing or residuals or original pricing imprints and those may not be indicative of and differ from current pricing. Used books may have original or owners name, etc written or stamped in book. Stickers such as original or old pricing, inventory, etc may still be on the book as well as spots where the sticker has been previously removed. We do our best to describe the book in the condition notes above as well. Subject to shelf wear, the picture is the actual item photo. If we have more than one, we will endeavor to show the worst book or list separately. Pricing is based on today's value and not old price stickers.

We pack and ship with care! We do this right, unlike some of the other mega warehouse sellers who really haven't even looked at the book and then toss it in a cheap bag for shipping. We do better than that, and we suspect you expect better if you collect and value good books.

Quality Products for the More Knowledgeable and Experienced User !

From W5SWL

*AI is used to present some modern description content. Subject to review and possible inaccuracy.