000			01616 a2200169 4500
020			_a9780745669823
040			_cIIT Kanpur
041			_aeng
082			_a530.01 _bR424p
100			_aRickles, Dean
245			_aThe philosophy of physics _cDean Rickles
260			_bPolity Press _c2016 _aCambridge
300			_ax, 238p
520			_aDoes 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.
650			_aPhysics -- Philosophy
942			_cBK
999			_c559673 _d559673