In 'Symmetry,' Hermann Weyl explores the profound concept of symmetry as a fundamental principle in mathematics and nature. He weaves together the threads of physics, art, and philosophy, revealing how symmetry shapes our understanding of the universe. Through intriguing insights, Weyl invites readers to consider how aesthetic beauty is intertwined with scientific truth. As he delves into the realms of geometry and theoretical physics, he unravels the mysteries that govern our world. This book is not just an exploration of a mathematical concept; it is a journey that challenges the way we perceive reality itself.
By Hermann Weyl
Published: 2016
""Symmetry is not just a feature of the world; it is a doorway to the deeper truths that govern the universe.""
One of the ideas by which man through the ages has tried to comprehend and create order, beauty, and perfection. Starting from the view that symmetry = harmony of proportions, this book gradually develops first the geometric concept of symmetry in its several forms as bilateral, translatory, rotational, ornamental, and crystallographic symmetry, and finally rises to the general abstract mathematical idea underlying all these special forms. This first paperback version of Hermann Weyl's widely-read essay includes the beautiful illustrations of the cloth cover edition.
Hermann Weyl (1885-1955) was a prominent German-American mathematician and theoretical physicist, best known for his contributions to the fields of mathematics, physics, and philosophy. A key figure in the early development of gauge theories, Weyl's work laid the foundations for much of modern theoretical physics and mathematics. Notable works include 'Space-Time-Matter' (1918), 'The Classical Groups' (1939), and 'Philosophy of Mathematics and Natural Science' (1949). Weyl's writing is characterized by its clarity, rigor, and deep philosophical insights, often bridging the gap between abstract mathematics and physical concepts, reflecting his strong belief in the unity of these fields.
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“"Symmetry is not just a feature of the world; it is a doorway to the deeper truths that govern the universe."”
Symmetry
By Hermann Weyl
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