Elementary particles. Mathematics, physics and philosophy (Q1188784)

This book presents the development and present state of elementary particle physics in a dialogue style. The main ideas are described in a talk between two physicists, a theorist and an experimentalist, a mathematician, and a philosopher. By this method the authors are able to give a picture of the methods and the state of affairs just as it is discussed among scientists at present without introducing a special philosophical scheme. Although the authors might have intended to write for a greater publicity, the book seems to be understandable only by people who have a good knowledge about fundamentals of contemporary physics. The introduction to the main structure of elementary particle physics that the authors present after the dialogues, can only be considered as a guide, more contemplating about than introducing into the structure. As such a guide it covers most of the present ideas and can best be recommended to scientists who want to get some insight into what is going on or to students who want to enter into the field. Since many representations omit any background explanations, this book really can fill a gap.