[natphil] FW: Natural Philosophers Meeting

[ED MORRISON]

Our Meeting on Tuesday, March 13th, will feature a presentation by Prof. Amanda Peet on String Theory and a summary follows:


> STRING THEORY FOR THE SCIENTIFICALLY CURIOUS
> 
> String theory, a part of modern theoretical physics, has wiggled its
> way into the popular consciousness during the past decade. While the
> details are technically complicated, the basic idea is stunningly
> simple - that the fundamental Lego blocks making up matter and force
> are tiny vibrating strings (rather than infinitely small particles).
> Some people presenting string theory to the public, like Brian Greene,
> emphasize its mathematical beauty. By contrast, this presentation will
> focus on the powerful physics motivations for the invention and
> development of string theory.
> 
> Ideas on the menu will include: explaining the epic clash between
> quantum mechanics and general relativity, string theory basics, extra
> dimensions of space, D-branes and duality, the LHC, the origin and
> ultimate fate of the universe, and the black hole information paradox.
> This presentation will be largely self-contained; no physics or math
> background will be assumed other than a layperson's curiosity about
> physical science. Questions at any level of sophistication will be taken 
> after the presentation is complete.
> 
> Amanda Peet is an Associate Professor of Physics at the University of
> Toronto and a Fellow of Trinity College. She holds a B.Sc.(Hons) from
> the University of Canterbury and a Ph.D. from Stanford University. Her
> awards include a Radcliffe Fellowship from Harvard University and an
> Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Research Fellowship. She was one of the
> string theorists interviewed in the three-hour NOVA PBS documentary
> "Elegant Universe". She grew up in the South Pacific island nation of
> Aotearoa/New Zealand and has a little web site at http://ap.io/home/ . 

As usual, we meet at 7:30 in the Physics Bldg.,Room 408. I hope we will have a good turnout for what promises to be a fascinating presentation.
Ed Morrison  		 	   		  
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