Appearance and Reality: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Physics

by Peter Kosso

Appearance and An Introduction to the Philosophy of Physics addresses quantum mechanics and relativity and their philosophical implications, focusing on whether these theories of modern physics can help us know nature as it really is, or only as it appears to us. The author clearly explains the foundational concepts and principles of both quantum mechanics and relativity and then uses them to argue that we can know more than mere appearances, and that we can know to some extent the way things really are. He argues that modern physics gives us reason to believe that we can know some things about the objective, real world, but he also acknowledges that we cannot know everything, which results in a position he calls "realistic realism." This book is not a survey of possible philosophical interpretations of modern physics, nor does it leap from a caricature of the physics to some wildly alarming metaphysics. Instead, it is careful with the physics and true to the evidence in
arriving at its own realistic conclusions. It presents the physics without mathematics, and makes extensive use of diagrams and analogies to explain important ideas. Engaging and accessible, Appearance and Reality serves as an ideal introduction for anyone interested in the intersection of philosophy and physics, including students in philosophy of physics and philosophy of science courses.

Genres: Philosophy, Physics, Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published August 21, 1997

Reviews

[Cole Ebertowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a great book. Practical explaination of modern physics and the philosophy of science.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Appearance and Reality is an excellent book on both philosophy and physics. Author Peter Kosso explains how philosophy can help us understand what we can know through physics, as well as what we can't know, due to the unusual nature of quantum reality. Kosso analyzes Einstein's theories of relativity and the major theories of the quantum world, all from a philosophical perspective. He explains how some aspects of reality are absolute while others are relative, depending on the observers frame of reference. He also explains how certain aspects of quantum reality are determinate while others are indeterminate until measured by an observer.

This is one of the best books I have read on both philosophy and physics, and science in general as well. If you are at all interested in understanding what can be known about reality through the study of physics, this is the book to read.

[Ege · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://www.evernote.com/shard/s326/s...

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little too technical for my liking.