This is a book about quantum mechanics and relativity and their philosophical implications. The central question is whether these theories of modern physics indicate that we can know nature as it really is, or only as it appears to us. The foundational concepts and principles of quantum mechanics and relativity are clearly explained and then used to argue that we can know more than mere appearances of the natural world; we can know the way things really are.
Rezensionen / Stimmen
"Superb--simply written, accessibile, yet accurate and even thorough. Can take students with no special knowledge all the way to the philosophically relevant portions of relativity and quantum mechanics."--Michael Levin, City College of New York
"Clear and engaging. Probably one of the few books in which quantum mechanics is explained in a manner non-science students find interesting."--Prakash Chenjeri, Southern Oregon University
"A well-explained and accessible text on philosophy of physics for non-science-major undergraduates. Appearance and Reality is an excellent introduction to the mysteries of quantum theory and relativity."--Robert Brosnan, ndiana University
"Contains some very good material on the philosophy of physics, and also possesses some good stuff on the theory of relativity. Should be quite useful for a philosophy of science course."--Stephen Joseph, Framingham State College
"A fine book. It is clear, accurate, and interesting."--David Detmer, Purdue University-Calumet
Sprache
Verlagsort
Zielgruppe
Für höhere Schule und Studium
Illustrationen
Maße
Höhe: 232 mm
Breite: 154 mm
Dicke: 11 mm
Gewicht
ISBN-13
978-0-19-511515-4 (9780195115154)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Klassifikation
Peter Kosso is Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Northern Arizona University. He is the author of Reading the Book of Nature (1992) and Observability and Observation in Physical Science (1989).
Preface
Introduction
1: Physics and Philosophy
Why This Will Require Both Physics and Philosophy
Standards of Proof
From Physics to Philosophy
Useful Philosophical Concepts
Philosophical Issues
Philosophical Evidence
2: Appearance and Reality
Scientific Observation
The Conceptual Influence
The Physical Influence
Nature as It Is
Philosophical Arguments about Realism
Return to Bohr
3: The Special Theory of Relativity
The Principle of Relativity
Space and Time
Relative and Absolute Properties
The Foundations of the Special Theory of Relativity
Consequences of the Absolute Speed of Light
The Relativity of Simultaneity
Time Dilation
Length Contraction
Mitch's Paradox
Nothing Can Go Faster Than the Speed of Light
Summary of the Special Theory of Relativity
4: The General Theory of Relativity
General Covariance and the Principle of Equivalence
Consequences of General Covariance and the Principle of Equivalence
The Bending of Light
Gravitational Red-shift (Time Dilation)
The Curvature of Spacetime
Mach's Principle
Summary of the General Theory of Relativity
5: Relativity and Realism
Two Separate Questions
The Way Nature Is
How Do We Know the Theory is True?
Summary
6: Quantum Mechanics
Probability, Cause and Effect, and Determinism
Particles and Waves
The State Function, Complementarity, and the Uncertainty Principle
Spin and the EPR Experiment
Bell's Proof
Summary of Quantum Mechanics
7: Quantum Mechanics and Realism
What to Make of Bell's Proof
The Quantum/Classical Distinction
The Copenhagen Interpretation
The Measurement Problem
Alternative Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics
The Many-words Interpretation
The Consciousness Interpretation
It's All Quantum Mechanics
Bohm's Theory
Summary
8: Realistic Realm
Two Kinds of Questions: Metaphysics and Epistemology
The Metaphysical Issue
The Epistemological Issue
It's Not the End of the World
References and Suggested Reading
Philosophical Background
Relativity
Quantum Mechanics
Historical and Biographical Accounts
Primary Sources
