Joseph Rosen

The author attempts to provide a grand unified theory of symmetry in science.
This is a fine ambition, but the execution is disappointing.

The first problem is that the author tries to provide two tracks in one, one slightly math based, the other even simpler, and the result constantly jars.
Even if just one of these tracks is considered, the book feels padded. The author should either have stripped out the excess verbiage and given us a slimmer book, or bitten the bullet and made it more show more mathematical.
I really wanted to like it, but I couldn't, and I don't think I got much useful out of it. show less

Substance: Argues for the anthropic principle as a scientific explanatory principle (although he changes POV in ch. 8). However, totally rejects the use of any subjective mode of explanation in those areas where the scientific method is operable.
Style: Summaries and bibliographies at the end of each chapter are useful.

Revision and expansion of author's A Symmetry Primer for Scientists (Wiley 1983; TR, November 1983). Theory and scientific applications of symmetry. Starts with group theory; develops a general symmetry formalism; ends with a conceptual discussion. Most core material is accessible to undergraduate science major.

Amazon: "When we use science to describe and understand the world around us, we are in essence grasping nature through symmetry. 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. Written by a renowned expert, this book will convince all interested readers of the importance of symmetry in science"