Truth and Absurdity in Modern Physics: and the Quest for a Softer, More-Inclusive Theory of Everything

Our book club has read many books on cosmology, physics, quantum mechanics, and science in general. We recently selected this book and I’m glad we did. It was a great read and right up our alley. The author covers a wide range of topics from big numbers to relativity to quantum mechanics. He ends with a prediction that “consciousness” is at the heart of quantum mechanics and even life itself.Here are some quotes from some of our members:“I really enjoyed romping through physics using probabilities to sift out the impossible from more likely theories. …combining theoretical predictions with engineering realities is refreshing. Each chapter starts with a statement about the intended message before presenting the more detailed discussion. The writing style is very engaging and there are many illustrations so that the concepts can be grasped… The book reflects the author's … natural aptitude for teaching. This is a thoughtfully written book that gave me new insights into the competing modern theories relating to physics.” Rolf E.“I read the book and enjoyed reviewing it with my colleagues… I like the way the author introduces topics of physics and puts numbers to probabilities. The chapter on quantum computing is written to show problems associated with it not normally spoken of. The author rates possible solutions to problems (as) being true or crazy. It is a good read.” Mark S.“A penetrating, entertaining look at the inner workings of modern science, where it's gone astray, and a prescription for change.” Charles K.“I liked the light-hearted presentation in the book starting with the calculation of sensible versus non-sensible predictions and expectations. It's a generally easy read while proposingquestions that I have never considered… I share the author's doubts about building quantumcomputers of sufficient complexity to solve real world problems… Just because the math isthere doesn't mean it can be done.” Jim R.The author boldly offers alternatives to several prevailing theories that are generally accepted by most physicists. Among them are: inflation, dark energy, dark matter, the multiverse, and the ΛCDM model of the universe.I especially liked chapter 4 which delineated the different solutions to Einstein’s general theory of relativity into different descriptions of spacetime: Minkowski space, Schwarzschild space, de Sitter space, Anti-de Sitter space, etc.. Most authors just use one of these solutions to describe space without mentioning which one they’re using or mentioning the other solutions.The author describes in great detail the engineering of ion traps and describes how they are used to create the qubits for a quantum computer. However, he states that he doubts that quantum computers will ever amount to much. In the next chapter he then describes how an ion trap and a human subject and an electroencephalogram (EEG) could be used to test his theories of consciousness.In the last chapter he suggests that a successful theory-of-everything (TOE) won’t be developed without including consciousness. He then hints that this would bring us closer in our attempts to define God. I believe almost everyone has some form of a spiritual belief system. For this author I suspect that his belief system is rooted in his concept of consciousness.

In my Physics Read quest, this book piqued interest. Of special note were the reviews, with 100% positive reviews & 1 outlier. Curious! The only solution was to buy, read and review the book myself – see the following comments. Bottomline is a great book/read, definitely a net positive & highly recommended to anyone interested or even curious about the wonderful world (& beyond) of Physics. In the parlance of star count, it's clearly a 5. It’s a very good book.My 3 favorite things about it:1.) His detailed description on pages 105-110 of how to build a wormhole in your basement that will enable you to transport yourself through spacetime to a different location in our universe, and arrive at a different moment in time. It 100% works. Of course, you have to read the fine print before you start building the wormhole to keep your expectations in line with what you’ll actually experience.2.) His description on pages 223-227 of the Many-Worlds Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics. Be prepared to be offended, while also being prepared to be enlightened.3.) His detailed description in Chapter 12 of how to perform the so-called QuCon (Quantum Consciousness) Experiment. Please, one of you guys with a surplus Ion Trap laying around, try this experiment, and let the rest of us know how it works out. I have high expectations that it’ll work exactly as he described. It’ll be a big deal to physicists and to science generally if/when it does.My 3 least-favorite things about it:1.) Sections 6 and 7 of Chapter 5 where he talks about a new universe being born on “the tip of your nose.” Albert Einstein once said to Georges Lemaitre: “Your calculations are correct, but your physics is abominable.” That quote may be applicable here.2.) His description in Section 3 of Chapter 8 where he describes how theoretically, it might be possible to exploit the quantum-eraser effect to enable faster-than-c communication across vast distances. He leaves the distinct impression in Chapter 8 that those “vast distances” could be thousands of kilometers long. It isn’t until Chapter 13 (Section 2) where he admits that engineering realities trump theoretical possibilities, and the true range of the effect might not extend beyond a few meters. I’d cite this as an example of where the flow of the book may not be ideal.3.) Bringing a discussion of “the physics of God” into the book in Section 3 of Chapter 13. It isn’t necessary & may be in questionable taste.Epilogue: Overall, the good parts far outnumber and far outweigh the less than ideal parts - it’s a book that is well worth reading…net positive or even ++. You’ll need a bit of physics background to follow it & I recommend you check it out/enjoy!

Please don’t be fooled by this book. If you would like a book addressed to the nature of physics and astrophysics consult Feynman “Character of Physical Law” which you will find offers major contradictions to Phillips's book.If you would like a book on the nature of modern physics and cosmology including the multiverse and quantum foundations and so on, go ahead and look at Jim Baggott’s book “Farewell to Reality”All readers should steer clear of this one.