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Masters of Theory: Cambridge and the Rise of Mathematical Physics,New
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Winner of the the Susan Elizabeth Abrams Prize in History of Science.When Isaac Newton published the Principia three centuries ago, only a few scholars were capable of understanding his conceptually demanding work. Yet this esoteric knowledge quickly became accessible in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries when Britain produced many leading mathematical physicists. In this book, Andrew Warwick shows how the education of these 'masters of theory' led them to transform our understanding of everything from the flight of a boomerang to the structure of the universe.Warwick focuses on Cambridge University, where many of the best physicists trained. He begins by tracing the dramatic changes in undergraduate education there since the eighteenth century, especially the gradual emergence of the private tutor as the most important teacher of mathematics. Next he explores the material culture of mathematics instruction, showing how the humble pen and paper so crucial to this study transformed everything from classroom teaching to final examinations. Balancing their intense intellectual work with strenuous physical exercise, the students themselvesknown as the 'Wranglers'helped foster the competitive spirit that drove them in the classroom and informed the Victorian ideal of a manly student. Finally, by investigating several historical 'cases,' such as the reception of Albert Einstein's special and general theories of relativity, Warwick shows how the production, transmission, and reception of new knowledge was profoundly shaped by the skills taught to Cambridge undergraduates.Drawing on a wealth of new archival evidence and illustrations, Masters of Theory examines the origins of a cultural tradition within which the complex world of theoretical physics was made commonplace.
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- Q: What is the main subject of 'Masters of Theory'? A: 'Masters of Theory' explores the rise of mathematical physics, focusing on Cambridge University and its influence on the education and development of leading physicists.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Masters of Theory'? A: The book is authored by Andrew Warwick, a historian of science.
- Q: What are the key themes discussed in the book? A: The book discusses themes such as the evolution of undergraduate education, the role of private tutors in mathematics, and the cultural context of theoretical physics in Cambridge.
- Q: How many pages does 'Masters of Theory' have? A: 'Masters of Theory' has a total of 520 pages.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: 'Masters of Theory' is available in a paperback binding.
- Q: When was 'Masters of Theory' published? A: 'Masters of Theory' was published on July 1, 2003.
- Q: Is there any specific historical context covered in the book? A: Yes, the book investigates several historical cases, including the reception of Einstein's theories of relativity, highlighting how knowledge was produced and transmitted.
- Q: What educational changes are highlighted in the book? A: The book highlights the dramatic changes in undergraduate education at Cambridge since the eighteenth century, particularly the emergence of private tutors as key mathematics educators.
- Q: Does the book include illustrations or archival evidence? A: Yes, 'Masters of Theory' includes a wealth of new archival evidence and illustrations to support its narrative.
- Q: What prize did 'Masters of Theory' win? A: 'Masters of Theory' won the Susan Elizabeth Abrams Prize in History of Science.