The Reality of the Unobservable: Observability, Unobservability and Their Impact on the Issue of Scientific Realism

ISBN-13: 9789048154586 / Angielski / Miękka / 2010 / 378 str.

E. Agazzi; M. Pauri

Opis

The debate on realism in physics is usually focused on the reality of unobservable entities admitted in physical theories. This reality has been often denied (e.g., by Bas van Fraassen). The present book shows that observability is a very complex notion that does not really have direct implications on ontological issues related to the existence of the non-observable entities. This is shown through historical, philosophical and scientific considerations presented in the different parts of the book. Emphasis is also given to the role of experiments, measurement procedures and computer-analyzed data as interface between the theoretical and experimental cultures.

Spis treści

Introduction. Observability and Scientific Realism Section Summaries; E. Agazzi, M. Pauri. History. The Origin of Scientific Realism: Boltzmann, Planck, Einstein. General Philosophy, Scientific Realism. Observability and Referentiality; E. Agazzi. A new Approach to Human Cognition and its Significance for the Philosophy of Science; P.M. Churchland. Abduction and Non-Observability - Some Examples from Language Science and the Cognitive Science; J.P. Desclés. `Scientific Realism' and Scientific Practice; R. Torretti. Random Philosophy; P. Galison. Formal Representation and the Subjective Side of Scientific Realism; M. Casartelli. Convention and Observability - Poincaré Once Again; G. Heinzmann. Scientific Realism, Objectivity, and `Technological Realism'; R. Queraltó. Philosophy of Observation. Testability and Empiricism; D. Shapere. Observing the Unobservable; J. Faye. What Does it Mean to Observe Physical Reality? G. Boniolo. Realism, and the Case of Rival Theories without Observable Differences; A. Cordero. Measurability, Computability and the Existence of Theoretical Entities; M. Dorato. Observation, Construction and Speculation in Cosmology; J. Mosterín. Where did the Notion that Forces are Unobservable Come From? M. Wilson. Philosophy of Quantum Theory. Quantum Mechanics without the Observables; N. Cartwright. Observation, Contextuality and Realism; B. D'Espagnat. Leibniz, Kant and the Quantum - A Provocative Point of View about Observation, Space-Time, and the Mind-Body Issue; M. Pauri. Efficient and Final Causes as CPT Reciprocals; O. Costa de Beauregard. Specific Issues of Observability in Quantum Theory. Observability and Realism inModern Experiments with Correlated Quantum Systems; C.P. Enz. Quantum Mechanics, Realism and the Ultimate Observer; B. Kanitscheider. Individualistic and Statistical Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics; P. Mittelstaedt. How to Observe Quarks; B. Falkenburg. Common Experience and Quantum Theory &endash; Observables and Beables; G.M. Prosperi. On the Relationships between Classical and Quantum Mechanics; E.G. Beltrametti, S. Bugajski.