Symmetry Rules: How Science and Nature Are Founded on Symmetry

Joe Rosen (auth.)3540759727, 978-3-540-75972-0

When we use science to describe and understand the world around us, we are in essence grasping nature through symmetry. In fact, modern theoretical physics suggests that symmetry is a, if not the, foundational principle of nature. Emphasizing the concepts, this book leads the reader coherently and comprehensively into the fertile field of symmetry and its applications. Among the most important applications considered are the fundamental forces of nature and the Universe. It is shown that the Universe cannot possess exact symmetry, which is a principle of fundamental significance. Curie’s principle – which states that the symmetry of the effect is at least that of the cause – features prominently. An introduction to group theory, the mathematical language of symmetry, is included. This book will convince all interested readers of the importance of symmetry in science. Furthermore, it will serve as valuable background reading for all students in the physical sciences.

Table of contents :
Front Matter….Pages I-XIV
The Concept of Symmetry….Pages 1-15
Science Is Founded on Symmetry….Pages 17-38
Symmetry in Physics….Pages 39-79
The Symmetry Principle….Pages 81-105
Application of Symmetry….Pages 107-130
Approximate Symmetry, Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking….Pages 131-140
Cosmic Considerations….Pages 141-160
The Mathematics of Symmetry: Group Theory….Pages 161-194
Group Theory Continued….Pages 195-226
The Formalism of Symmetry….Pages 227-259
Symmetry in Processes….Pages 261-281
Summary of Principles….Pages 283-287
Back Matter….Pages 289-305