Philosophy Of Physics

by Lawrence Sklar

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 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.

Genres: Philosophy, Physics, Nonfiction, Science

264 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 1992

Reviews

[Tim J · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want everyone to know that I could be so much more annoying if I wanted to

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book from a class at NAU. Possibly my favorite class with one of my favorite professor's. I don't know how the books stands up without the class, but it has some good stuff in it.

[Jonathan Hockey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not much depth and not very original, but a good basic overview, if you bear in mind that he often toes the line of current physics consensus much more so than philosophical rigour.

[Z Li · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sklar’s Philosophy Of Physics was at the top of the reading list for the lecture of Philosophy of Physics at Leeds. When I first read it as an undergraduate physics student, I thought it was just another old philosophy crap, but later in the semester, I realised how seriously wrong I was. This book keeps inspiring me doing Physics and Computer Science for years.

As an author who has PhDs in both Philosophy and Physics, Sklar knows what both groups of people want in an introductory book. To physics people, this book has the knowledge you eager to acquire, but your physicist fellows always avoid to discuss. To philosophy people, if you read one book on contemporary physics, you should read Sklar.

[Motti · Rating 5 out of 5]

good