Philosophy of Physics

ISBN-13: 9780198751380 / Angielski / Miękka / 1992 / 260 str.

Lawrence Sklar

Opis

The systematic study of the physical world had its orgins in philosophy; two-and-a-half millennia later, the scientific advances of the 20th century are bringing the two fields closer together again. In this textbook, the author gives a broad overview of the contemporary philosophy of physics. A guide is provided to the key topics: the nature of space and time, the problems of probability and irreversibility in statistical mechanics, and, of course, the many notorious problems raised by quantum mechanics. It discusses sophisticated scientific questions, but avoids the use of technical formalism, so that the discussion will be accessible to those without a training in philosophy or physics.

Recenzje

Highly readable, informative and ... valuable ... a useful addition to a very good series, the Dimensions of Philosophy Series ... The main value of this volume is that it will provide an excellent introductory and intermediate textbook, which covers all of the key issues with which students must become familiar. The level of discussion of physical theory is ... clear and accurate throughout so that it will provide a stimulus for those students of physics who would like to know much more about the conceptual foundations of major branches of physical theory ... a superb teaching aid. Sklar has the merit of writing clearly, vigorously and with some wit, and this makes the volume very readable.