Philosophy of Physics

by Robert P. Crease

There are some physics controversies that no amount of physics research can answer. Why is doing string theory scientific despite its lack of empirical predictions? How should we interpret quantum mechanics? What is the nature of time and space? What constitutes fundamental physics? One can answer these questions dogmatically by appealing to textbooks or by making rough and ready pronouncements, but the issues behind them can often be significantly clarified by the sort of systematic, critical reflection that philosophy practices. Philosophy comes in several traditions. Three of these—known as ‘analytic,’ ‘pragmatic’ and ‘continental’—have paid particular attention to physics. This ebook illustrates philosophy of physics in action, and how it can help physics, by using four examples from physics to exhibit the aims and value of these philosophical approaches.

77 pages, ebook

Published January 1, 2017

About the author

Professor Robert P. Crease is Chairman of the Department of Philosophy at Stony Brook University, New York.

Reviews

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure about this one. On the one hand, it reads like a survey of the work of others, which, while informative, doesn't really bring anything new to the party. On the other hand, it does make some connections between the works of others, and highlights some interesting views. Most interesting to me was a discussion of the dispute between Pauli, Yang and Mills, which challenges my own, somewhat rigid, philosophical views, and forces me to reconsider my definition of science. Worth a look.

[Sheffielder · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short but illuminating introduction, illustrating three approaches to the philosophy of physics. Easy to read at a single sitting, and interesting enough to prompt further reading. The Yang-Mills discussion was particularly thought provoking.