Noontime Notions – Science Series – What is Physics?

The Noontime Notions: Science Series continues on April 23rd with a presentation by Dr. Royce Zia, “What is Physics?”. The program will begin at noon in the Rogow Room at the Transylvania County Library. Noontime Notions programs feature authors, performers, and presenters providing engaging notions for consideration, enjoyment, and discovery. This is the second in a short series of Noontime Notions programs focusing on science.    The program is made possible by the Friends of the Library and will last approximately one hour.

Unlike “What is 1+1?”, there is no easy answer to the question “What is Physics?” Join Dr. Royce Zia on an entertaining and insightful exploration of this question, starting with “where physics belongs” in the context of human endeavor. Illustrating with equations such as 2+1=3, he will argue that physics is the easiest of sciences. Though it has given us advanced technologies, Royce feels that physics is far from understanding “the magic all around us.” He will share his perspectives on the “two frontiers” in physics, much like the “two cultures” of C.P. Snow.

Encouraged by his mother, Royce’s fascination with physics began early. After completing his studies, he went to Switzerland and the UK for post-doctoral work. He returned to the US in 1976 to join the faculty at Virginia Tech, where he taught classes at all levels, advised Ph.D. theses, and continued to collaborate with colleagues around the world. Retiring in 2010, he relocated to Brevard eight years later with his wife Jenny. Nowadays, he enjoys outdoor activities, going to concerts, discussing philosophy with friends, and carrying on research at an exciting frontier of theoretical physics: non-equilibrium statistical mechanics.

This program is made possible by funding from the Friends of the Transylvania County Library, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing and supporting Transylvania County Library programs and services. The Friends raise funds through memberships, donations, and through used book sales at the Second Story Book Store and at annual sales. To learn more, visit library.transylvaniacounty.org/fol.