The philosophy of physics
By: Rickles, Dean.
Publisher: Cambridge Polity Press 2016Description: x, 238p.ISBN: 9780745669823.Subject(s): Physics -- PhilosophyDDC classification: 530.01 | R424p Summary: Does the future exist already? What is space? Are time machines physically possible? What is quantum mechanical reality like? Are there many universes? Is there a ‘true’ geometry of the universe? Why does there appear to be an arrow of time? Do humans play a special role in the world? In this unique introductory book, Dean Rickles guides the reader through these and other core questions that keep philosophers of physics up at night. He discusses the three pillars of modern physics (quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and the theories of relativity), in addition to more cutting-edge themes such as econophysics, quantum gravity, quantum computers, and gauge theories. The book’s approach is based on the idea that philosophy of physics is a kind of ‘interpretation game’ in which we try to map physical theories onto our world. But the rules of this game often lead to a multiplicity of possible victors: rarely do we encounter a simple answer. The Philosophy of Physics offers a highly accessible introduction to the latest developments in this exciting field. Written in a lively style, with many visual examples, it will appeal to beginner-level students in both physics and philosophy.| Item type | Current location | Collection | Call number | Status | Date due | Barcode | Item holds |
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Books
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PK Kelkar Library, IIT Kanpur | General Stacks | 530.01 R424p (Browse shelf) | Available | A183999 |
Browsing PK Kelkar Library, IIT Kanpur Shelves , Collection code: General Stacks Close shelf browser
| 530.01 R158W WARPED PASSAGES | 530.01 R247F FROM PHYSICS TO METAPHYSICS | 530.01 R371n The new theory of physics | 530.01 R424p The philosophy of physics | 530.01 R722s The self-evolving cosmos | 530.01 ST45Q QUANTUM BRAIN THEORY AND IMPLICATIONS | 530.01 V675R REASONING IN PHYSICS |
Does the future exist already? What is space? Are time machines physically possible? What is quantum mechanical reality like? Are there many universes? Is there a ‘true’ geometry of the universe? Why does there appear to be an arrow of time? Do humans play a special role in the world?
In this unique introductory book, Dean Rickles guides the reader through these and other core questions that keep philosophers of physics up at night. He discusses the three pillars of modern physics (quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and the theories of relativity), in addition to more cutting-edge themes such as econophysics, quantum gravity, quantum computers, and gauge theories. The book’s approach is based on the idea that philosophy of physics is a kind of ‘interpretation game’ in which we try to map physical theories onto our world. But the rules of this game often lead to a multiplicity of possible victors: rarely do we encounter a simple answer.
The Philosophy of Physics offers a highly accessible introduction to the latest developments in this exciting field. Written in a lively style, with many visual examples, it will appeal to beginner-level students in both physics and philosophy.
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