Idealization IX: Idealization in Contemporary Physics, Volume 8Here is presented for the first time a comprehensive review and analysis of the several roles played by idealization procedures in the logic, mathematics and models that lie at the heart of modern, twentieth century physics. It is only through idealization of one form or another that the objects and processes of modern physics become tractable. The essays in this volume will be of interest to all those who are concerned with the uses of models in physics, and the relationships between models and the real world. The essays in this volume cover the role of idealization in all the main areas of modern physics, ranging from quantum theory, relativity theory and cosmology to chaos theory. |
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Contents
| 7 | |
Izabella Nowak Leszek Nowak Models and Experiments | 35 |
Steven French James Ladyman Semantic Perspective on Idealization | 51 |
Chuang Liu Decoherence and Idealization in Quantum Measurement | 75 |
Stephan Hartmann Idealization in Quantum Field Theory | 99 |
Robin Findlay Hendry Models and Approximations in Quantum | 123 |
Platonism Empiricism | 143 |
A Case Study | 165 |
Anna Maidens Idealization Heuristics and the Principle of Equivalence | 183 |
Lynn Holt R Glynn Holt Towards a Very Old Account | 217 |
Common terms and phrases
abstract application approach approximation argue argument assumption atomic behavior body called Cartwright choice claim classical complex concepts concerning consider construct context corresponding cosmology decoherence described discussion dynamical Edited effect Einstein electrons empirical energy equation equivalence exact example experimental explanation fact factors field forces formal frames function fundamental give given gravitational History idea idealization idealized models important interactions interpretation Introduction kind laws Logic Marxism mathematical means measurement method methodological Milne models molecular molecules nature noted notion objects observable partial particular phenomena Philosophy of Science physical possible practice present Press principle problem quantum mechanics question rationality realistic reason reference relation relativity relevant represented requires Robertson role scientific sense simple situation solution space special relativity stability structure Studies theoretical theory thought experiments tradition true truth Type understanding University VOLUME
Popular passages
Page 21 - It was quite a shock for Bohr ... he did not see the solution at once. During the whole evening he was extremely unhappy, going from one to the other, and trying to persuade them that it couldn't be true, that it would be the end of physics if Einstein were right; but he couldn't produce any refutation.
Bibliographic information
| Title | Idealization IX: Idealization in Contemporary Physics, Volume 8 Poznań studies in the philosophy of the sciences and the humanities, ISSN 0303-8157 |
| Editor | Niall Shanks |
| Contributor | Niall Shanks |
| Publisher | Rodopi, 1998 |
| ISBN | 9042006420, 9789042006423 |
| Length | 238 pages |
| Subjects | › Science / Philosophy & Social Aspects |
| Export Citation | BiBTeX EndNote RefMan |