This post comes in at a very good time because I have recently begun to become interested in particle physics and have so far only resorted to watching YouTube videos. This is a sign that it is maybe time for me to jump into a textbook.
However, I seem to be interested in a few particular questions about particle physics as a science rather than facts about particle physics. For instance, I am interested in the instruments and methods that physicists use to verify their theoretical claims empirically. I am also interested in how theorists are able to come up with theories so early on, such that they are confirmed by evidence many years later. What are the assumptions that they were able to make? I am curious about where they derived the creativity to be able to bring in so many assumptions together and the come up with their models. Now that I write this, I realize that before theories were validated there were probably competing models.
Therefore, I am not exactly sure I want to study particle physics per se, or whether a book on the history of particle physics will do. I am ok with having a popular understanding of the subject, I mostly want to gain inspiration from following the work of famous scientists.
However, I seem to be interested in a few particular questions about particle physics as a science rather than facts about particle physics. For instance, I am interested in the instruments and methods that physicists use to verify their theoretical claims empirically. I am also interested in how theorists are able to come up with theories so early on, such that they are confirmed by evidence many years later. What are the assumptions that they were able to make? I am curious about where they derived the creativity to be able to bring in so many assumptions together and the come up with their models. Now that I write this, I realize that before theories were validated there were probably competing models.
Therefore, I am not exactly sure I want to study particle physics per se, or whether a book on the history of particle physics will do. I am ok with having a popular understanding of the subject, I mostly want to gain inspiration from following the work of famous scientists.