Making physics popular
Writing about physics for the public involves more than just translating complex scientific ideas into simple language, says Robert P Crease
Read article: Making physics popular
Thank you for registering with Physics World
If you'd like to change your details at any time, please visit My account
Robert P Crease is a professor in the Department of Philosophy at Stony Brook University, New York. He has written, translated or edited more than a dozen books on the history and philosophy of science and technology, and is the author of the Physics World Discovery ebook Philosophy of Physics and the IOP ebook Philosophy of Physics: a New Introduction. He is past chair of the Forum for History of Physics of the American Physical Society. He is co-editor-in-chief of Physics in Perspective, and since 2000 he has written a column, Critical Point, on the historical, social and philosophical dimensions of science for Physics World. His latest book (with Peter D Bond) is The Leak: Politics, Activists, and Loss of Trust at Brookhaven National Laboratory (2022 MIT Press).
Writing about physics for the public involves more than just translating complex scientific ideas into simple language, says Robert P Crease
Read article: Making physics popular
To practising physicists, the great equations of physics might seem obvious, logical and trivial. But to their discoverers, Robert P Crease argues, that was far from true
Read article: Journeys to greatness
Tim Rowett is an avid collector of science-related toys. Robert P Crease and son drop in to play with them
Oppenheimer takes centre stage, reports Robert P Crease
Read article: Atomic arias
Do some constants need fixing? Robert P Crease relays your suggestions, though he finds that concerns over SI units arouse still more passion
Read article: Shifty constants
In his 100th column for Physics World, Robert P Crease examines the Large Hadron Collider – the biggest physics experiment of all time – and wonders whether we can call it “beautiful”
Read article: Beauty and the beast
Terminology from quantum theory shows up frequently in popular culture - from art and films to sculpture and poetry. Robert P Crease asks for your favourite examples
Read article: Quantum of culture
Scientists and those people with religious convictions may have sharply contrasting beliefs, says Robert P Crease, but does that forbid them from having stimulating conversation?
Read article: A question of trust
Robert P Crease examines why mathematics popularizer Martin Gardner inspires so many different kinds of people
Read article: A gathering for Gardner
Robert P Crease discusses the enduring appeal of sailboats for retired mathematician Frank Sinden
Read article: A passion for boats