Physics have been in the terminal for some time. Quantum mechanics describe the world in a small scale, the general theory of relativity, on the other hand, the gravity and the universe on a large scale. Unfortunately, these two pillars of our world view are not the two sides and the same medal, but they simply don’t want to go together. There is a lack of a coherent thought building that combines under one roof of both. This is where Volker Knecht’s book comes in. The physicist and bioscientist shows the “ugly crack” razor -sharp and – so far unsuccessful – presents attempts to put it.
But before he devotes himself to the proposed solutions, Knecht summarizes the basics of our knowledge about micro and macrocosm in the first two sections. In doing so, he describes historical developments, gets deep into the matter in the literal sense and does not shy away from one or the other formula. Because for the understanding of the facts and relationships that are always correctly told, it is essential to start reading with solid basic knowledge. This also applies to the understanding of the illustrations that are more reminiscent of a specialist because of a non-fiction book. The third part finally deals with the standardization, ultimately about a theory of quantum gravity. Anyone who studies Volker Knecht’s presentation by the end is up to date with the current state of the discussion. Helmut Hornung
Volker Knecht
The Small, The Big, And The Ugly
Springer Verlag, 378 pages, € 34.99
ISBN 978-3-662-69354-4