String Theory For Dummies

Part I: Introducing String Theory.

Chapter 1: So What Is String Theory Anyway?

Chapter 2: The Physics Road Dead Ends at Quantum Gravity.

Chapter 3: Accomplishments and Failures of String Theory.

Part II: The Physics Upon Which String Theory Is Built.

Chapter 4: Putting String Theory in Context: Understanding the Method of Science.

Chapter 5: What You Must Know about Classical Physics.

Chapter 6: Revolutionizing Space and Time: Einstein’s Relativity.

Chapter 7: Brushing Up on Quantum Theory Basics.

Chapter 8: The Standard Model of Particle Physics.

Chapter 9: Physics in Space: Considering Cosmology and Astrophysics.

Part III: Building String Theory: A Theory of Everything.

Chapter 10: Early Strings and Superstrings: Unearthing the Theory’s Beginnings.

Chapter 11: M-Theory and Beyond: Bringing String Theory Together.

Chapter 12: Putting String Theory to the Test.

Part IV: The Unseen Cosmos: String Theory On the Boundaries of Knowledge.

Chapter 13: Making Space for Extra Dimensions.

Chapter 14: Our Universe — String Theory, Cosmology, and Astrophysics.

Chapter 15: Parallel Universes: Maybe You Can Be Two Places at Once.

Chapter 16: Have Time, Will Travel.

Part V: What the Other Guys Say: Criticisms and Alternatives.

Chapter 17: Taking a Closer Look at the String Theory Controversy.

Chapter 18: Loop Quantum Gravity: String Theory’s Biggest Competitor.

Chapter 19: Considering Other Ways to Explain the Universe.

Part VI: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 20: Ten Questions a Theory of Everything Should (Ideally) Answer.

Chapter 21: Ten Notable String Theorists.

Index.