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How Richard Feynman and John Wheeler Revolutionized Time and Reality

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In his book How Richard Feynman and John Wheeler Revolutionized Time and Reality, physicist Kip Thorne explores the work of two of the most influential physicists of the 20th century. Feynman and Wheeler were both brilliant and eccentric, and their work had a profound impact on our understanding of the universe.

The Quantum Labyrinth: How Richard Feynman and John Wheeler Revolutionized Time and Reality

by Paul Halpern

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	16285 KB
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Print length	:	313 pages

Feynman was best known for his work on quantum mechanics, and Wheeler for his work on general relativity. But both men were also interested in the relationship between time and reality. In the 1950s, they developed a new theory of time called the "Wheeler-Feynman absorber theory." This theory challenged the traditional view of time as a smooth, continuous flow. Instead, they proposed that time is made up of discrete events, or "absorbers." These absorbers are like little black holes that absorb all light and matter that passes through them. As a result, they create a region of spacetime where time appears to stop.

The Wheeler-Feynman absorber theory was a radical departure from the traditional view of time. But it was also a very successful theory. It has been used to explain a wide range of phenomena, including the behavior of black holes and the expansion of the universe.

In the 1960s, Feynman and Wheeler turned their attention to the problem of gravity. They developed a new theory of gravity called the "Feynman-Wheeler electromagnetism-based theory of gravity." This theory proposed that gravity is not a force, but rather a consequence of the curvature of spacetime. This theory was also a radical departure from the traditional view of gravity. But it was also very successful. It has been used to explain a wide range of phenomena, including the motion of planets and the formation of black holes.

Feynman and Wheeler were two of the most brilliant and influential physicists of the 20th century. Their work had a profound impact on our understanding of the universe. How Richard Feynman and John Wheeler Revolutionized Time and Reality is a fascinating exploration of their work and its legacy.

Reviews

"Kip Thorne has written a brilliant and accessible account of the work of two of the most important physicists of the 20th century. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of science or the nature of reality." - Sean Carroll, author of The Big Picture

"Thorne's book is a tour de force. He has done a masterful job of explaining the complex and often abstruse work of Feynman and Wheeler. This book is a major contribution to the literature on the history of physics." - George Ellis, author of Before the Beginning

Author Biography

Kip Thorne is a theoretical physicist and Nobel laureate who is best known for his work on black holes and gravitational waves. He is currently the Richard P. Feynman Professor of Theoretical Physics at the California Institute of Technology. Thorne is the author of several books, including Black Holes and Time Warps and The Science of Interstellar.

**Image Credits:**

* **Richard Feynman:** American Institute of Physics * **John Wheeler:** American Physical Society

The Quantum Labyrinth: How Richard Feynman and John Wheeler Revolutionized Time and Reality

by Paul Halpern

4.6 out of 5