Reviews for Nature's Blueprint: Supersymmetry and the Search for a Unified Theory of Matter and Force

The average rating for Nature's Blueprint: Supersymmetry and the Search for a Unified Theory of Matter and Force based on 2 reviews is 5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2010-12-21 00:00:00 William Hebden The argument for beauty rears its ugly face in the first chapter. Hooper admits that "beauty" is not an objective measure, but fails to clearly admit this obviates the argument for beauty of a scientific theory. Theories aren't better because they are elegant or beautiful. A theory is better if it can be disproved by experiment, has fewer free parameters, and has favorable economy explanation. Arguing for Supersymmetry based on it's beauty is an excuse NOT to mention the dirty secrets it carries with it! Namely, continued revision to survive inside ever encroaching experimental thresholds, 120 free parameters, etc. Don't get me wrong, I like Supersymmetry, because it has some serious explanatory power. But let's not exaggerate or be unfairly prejudice. Hooper bashes the Standard Model, labeling it as having serious "sickness" in reference to the Hierarchy Problem. I've never really *felt* the hierarchy problem to be a real *problem*, but I accept that it is a quirk that merit investigation. What I'm taking issue with here is Hooper's prejudice in using a strong word like "sickness" for the Standard Model, which sits on far more sturdy ground, scientifically. Then he gushes poetic about the "beauty" of Supersymmetry, dispute it's many ugly and downright (taken as-is) damning flaws. This is not honest or fair. In any case, this was a very good book with comprehensive and clear introductions to quantum field theory and gauge symmetry. Good stuff.

Review # 2 was written on 2020-02-01 00:00:00 Carmon Thompson A very accessible physics book This book does a good job of summarizing the background of supersymmetry and the key discoveries that lead to supersymmetry. Not a lot of complex math so easy to follow. The choose your own adventure ending is a nice touch.