Philosophy of physics

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The study of the physical world had its origins in philosophy, and, two-and-one-half millennia later, the scientific advances of the twentieth century are bringing the two fields closer together again. So argues Lawrence Sklar in this brilliant new text on the philosophy of physics.Aimed at students of both disciplines, Philosophy of Physics is a broad overview of the problems of contemporary philosophy of physics that readers of all levels of sophistication should find accessible and engaging. Professor Sklar's talent for clarity and accuracy is on display throughout as he guides students through the key problems: 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.Integrated by the theme of the interconnectedness of philosophy and science, and linked by many references to the history of both disciplines, Philosophy of Physics is always clear, while remaining faithful to the complexity and integrity of the issues. It will take its place as a classic text in a field of fundamental intellectual importance.  Read more... Abstract: The study of the physical world had its origins in philosophy, and, two-and-one-half millennia later, the scientific advances of the twentieth century are bringing the two fields closer together again. So argues Lawrence Sklar in this brilliant new text on the philosophy of physics.Aimed at students of both disciplines, Philosophy of Physics is a broad overview of the problems of contemporary philosophy of physics that readers of all levels of sophistication should find accessible and engaging. Professor Sklar's talent for clarity and accuracy is on display throughout as he guides students through the key problems: 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.Integrated by the theme of the interconnectedness of philosophy and science, and linked by many references to the history of both disciplines, Philosophy of Physics is always clear, while remaining faithful to the complexity and integrity of the issues. It will take its place as a classic text in a field of fundamental intellectual importance Content: Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Table of Contents Acknowledgments 1 INTRODUCTION: PHILOSOPHY AND THE PHYSICAL SCIENCES The Relation of Science to Philosophy Modern Physics and Philosophy Philosophy of Physics and General Philosophy The Aim and Structure of This Book 2 SPACE, TIME, AND MOTION Traditional Philosophical Problems of Space and Time The Debate Between Newton and Leibniz From Space and Time to Spacetime Gravity and the Curvature of Spacetime How Do We Know the True Geometry of the World? What Kind of Being Does Spacetime Have? Further Readings3 THE INTRODUCTION OF PROBABILITY INTO PHYSICS Philosophers on Probability and Statistical Explanation From Thermodynamics to Statistical Mechanics The Problem of Irreversibility and Attempts to Solve It The Problem of ""The Direction of Time Further Readings 4 THE QUANTUM PICTURE OF THE WORLD The Experimental Basis of Quantum Theory Early Attempts to Interpret the Theory: The Uncertainty Principle What Is Measurement in Quantum Theory? The Problem of Hidden Variables and Determinism The Inseparability of Systems Further Readings 5 REFLECTIONS ON THE INTERDEPENDENCE OF PHILOSOPHY AND SCIENCEReferences About the Book and Author Index