Laws of Physics
Laws of Physics
Despite its apparent complexity, our world seems to be governed by simple laws of physics. This volume provides a philosophical introduction to such laws. I explain how they are connected to some of the central issues in philosophy, such as ontology, possibility, explanation, induction, counterfactuals, time, determinism, and fundamentality. I suggest that laws are fundamental facts that govern the world by constraining its physical possibilities. I examine three hallmarks of laws-simplicity, exactness, and objectivity-and discuss whether and how they may be associated with laws of physics.
Reviews & endorsements
‘Laws of Physics is an outstanding synthesis of an introductory textbook and an original contribution to the philosophical debate about the fundamental laws of nature. I can recommend it to anyone interested in the topic.’ Dustin Lazarovici, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews
‘… succeeds in introducing some of the main topics and views in the literature on laws at a level suitable for an advanced undergraduate or graduate student reader. The choice of topics is interesting and timely.’ John Dougherty, Metascience
Product details
June 2024Paperback
9781009012720
96 pages
229 × 153 × 11 mm
0.3kg
Available
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Conceptual connections
- 3. Minimal primitivism
- 4. Other accounts
- 5. Simplicity
- 6. Exactness
- 7. Objectivity
- 8. Conclusion
- References.
