Stenger argues that if we accept 'Point of View Invariance' - the idea that how the universe works shouldn't depend on where or when you are looking - and combine this with the idea that the universe is based upon symmetries (including gauge symmetries), then the laws of physics can be deduced.

But , if the universe is so simple and based on symmetry, how come it looks so complex to us. To understand this, Stenger describes the ideas of broken symmetry, and looks at how randomness can enter into the workings of the universe. Stenger applies these ideas to the Big Bang, and to the nature of the vacuum, and in the later chapters of the first part discusses how they can lead to a better understanding of the cosmos.

The first part of the book is non-mathematical. The second part consists of mathematical derivations, which should be understandable to and undergraduate physics student. However, I would say that this book is not as simple as it looks - the ideas in the first part are pretty deep, and the second part is effectively a highly compact derivation of many of the laws of physics. But if you're happy with the challenging nature of the book then you'll find much thought provoking material here."; include "amazinf.php"; ?>