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Sean Carroll

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Sean Michael Carroll is a theoretical physicist specializing in quantum mechanics, gravity, and cosmology. He is a research professor in the Walter Burke Institute for Theoretical Physics in the California Institute of Technology Department of Physics
18 books on the list
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A Dictionary Of Real Numbers book cover
A Dictionary Of Real Numbers
Jonathan Borwein - 1990-01-01
Goodreads Rating
Discover the secrets behind the numbers in this reverse handbook of special function values. With over 100,000 eight-digit real numbers listed, learn how these numbers arise as the first eight digits of special values of familiar functions. Perfect for those who encounter various numbers computationally, this book offers insight into the simple form behind these seemingly random digits. Explore the specific algebraic and simple transcendental values included in this volume and unlock a new understanding of the numbers around you.
Sean Carroll
2022-08-24T20:52:38.000Z
I still don’t understand why this gripping book hasn’t been adapted into a prestige TV drama.      source
From Extraterrestrials to Animal Minds book cover
From Extraterrestrials to Animal Minds
Six Myths of Evolution
Simon Conway Morris - 2022-03-28
Goodreads Rating
This science book by a Cambridge professor challenges six commonly accepted assumptions about evolution. The author argues that evolution is not boundless or random, instead it is highly circumscribed and has inevitabilities. The book also makes readers question the popular belief that intelligence in humans and animals are just a difference of degree. Lastly, the author tackles questions about extraterrestrial life and the possibility of the "Fermi Paradox".
Sean Carroll
2022-08-08T13:09:12.000Z
Conway Morris argues that evolution is a little more predictable than some would have us believe. His recent book is From Extraterrestrials to Animal Minds: Six Myths of Evolution.      source
Data Feminism book cover
Data Feminism
Catherine D'Ignazio, Lauren F. Klein - 2020-03-10
Goodreads Rating
A new way of thinking about data science and data ethics that is informed by the ideas of intersectional feminism....
Sean Carroll
2021-07-19T16:05:16.000Z
For a great resource, check out Data Feminism, the book by Catherine and Lauren Klein.      source
An Introduction to Transfer Entropy book cover
An Introduction to Transfer Entropy
Information Flow in Complex Systems
Terry Bossomaier, Lionel Barnett, Michael Harré, Joseph T. Lizier - 2016-11-24
"Discover a groundbreaking concept in complex systems: transfer entropy. This relatively new metric, derived from time series measurements, is explored in-depth by experts in statistics, information theory, and entropy. Learn how transfer entropy reveals the relationship between information flow and complexity, and its applications in neuroscience, finance, and more. Perfect for advanced students and researchers in computer science, physics, neuroscience, and engineering."
Sean Carroll
2021-07-10T18:18:44.000Z
"Transfer entropy" is a way of quantifying the information flow between two stochastic systems. Cool, but: there's a whole book on it! There's too much knowledge in the world, how is anyone supposed to learn everything they should?      source
The Ascent of Information book cover
The Ascent of Information
Books, Bits, Genes, Machines, and Life's Unending Algorithm
Caleb Scharf - 2021-06-15
Goodreads Rating
Discover a new perspective on the role of information in our lives with this eye-opening exploration from Caleb Scharf. Drawing on evolutionary biology, computer science, information theory, and astrobiology, Scharf argues that information is a living organism that has evolved alongside us. Our relationship with data impacts our behavior and well-being, and has the potential to shape our future as a species. Gain a humbling vision of a universe built around information and its impact on our technology, humanity, and the fundamental nature of life with The Ascent of Information.
Sean Carroll
2021-06-15T21:23:06.000Z
Pub day for @caleb_scharf's The Ascent of Information. A great book about information, astrobiology, and the future.      source
Spacetime and Geometry book cover
Spacetime and Geometry
An Introduction to General Relativity
Sean M. Carroll - 2003-01-01
Goodreads Rating
"Explore the fascinating world of general relativity with Spacetime and Geometry: An Introduction. Written in an engaging and accessible style, this book guides readers through the intricacies of differential geometry and Einstein's equations, while also delving into topics such as black holes, gravitational radiation, and cosmology. Whether you're a physics student or just curious about the universe, this lucid and modern introduction to general relativity is a must-read."
Sean Carroll
2021-04-26T22:46:56.000Z
@TheMayaBenowitz @JimiSommer It’s not T_ab that matters, it’s h_ab (the metric perturbation tensor). Read more in this lovely book!      source
Newton and the Counterfeiter book cover
Newton and the Counterfeiter
The Unknown Detective Career of the World's Greatest Scientist
Thomas Levenson - 2009-01-01
Goodreads Rating
Isaac Newton, one of the greatest minds of his time, made a surprising career move in 1695 by leaving Cambridge for London to become the Warden of His Majesty's Mint. This decision led him to cross paths with counterfeiter extraordinaire William Chaloner. In a world where law enforcement was almost non-existent and money was just coming into being, the two engage in an epic game of cat and mouse in the streets and courts of London.
Sean Carroll
2021-03-23T00:08:42.000Z
@CraigMahoney @AstroKatie @neiltyson Only one I’ve read is Newton and the Counterfeiter! Great book, but not about his physics career. @TomLevenson      source
Morality and Mathematics book cover
Morality and Mathematics
Justin Clarke-Doane - 2020-05-25
Goodreads Rating
This book explores the question of realism in relation to moral and mathematical subjects. The author presents arguments for and against moral and mathematical realism, while also explaining how they interact and what they can tell us about areas of philosophical interest in general. The author argues that our mathematical beliefs are not any more self-evident or empirically justifiable than our moral beliefs. Additionally, the practical nature of moral questions sets them apart from mathematical questions, which are not objective in the same sense. This book highlights important insights about the tension between realism and objectivity, and suggests that practical philosophy should take center stage.
Sean Carroll
2021-03-08T15:59:40.000Z
Read all about it in his book Morality and Mathematics, which came out last year:      source
Models of the Mind book cover
Models of the Mind
How Physics, Engineering and Mathematics Have Shaped Our Understanding of the Brain
Grace Lindsay - 2021-05-04
Goodreads Rating
Discover the language that allowed scientists to understand the essence of what 85 billion neurons do - mathematics. Computational neuroscientist Grace Lindsay delves into how mathematical models have helped us understand the brain's processes, such as decision-making and sensory processing, and how they create thoughts, perceptions, and actions. She walks readers through important concepts in modern neuroscience, highlighting the tensions that arise when bringing mathematical modeling into the messy details of biology. Follow Lindsay as she takes you on a journey through the history of neuroscience, from experiments on frogs to artificial neural networks. A must-read for anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of the mind.
Sean Carroll
2021-02-18T17:09:47.000Z
@neurograce Thanks for writing a great book!      source
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Simply Complexity by Neil Johnson
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Quantum Mechanics and Experience by David Z Albert