From Physics to Metaphysics
From Physics to Metaphysics
$52.00
USDThe book is drawn from the Tarner lectures, delivered in Cambridge in 1993. It is concerned with the ultimate nature of reality, and how this is revealed by modern physical theories such as relativity and quantum theory. The objectivity and rationality of science are defended against the views of relativists and social constructionists. It is claimed that modern physics gives us a tentative and fallible, but nevertheless rational, approach to the nature of physical reality. The role of subjectivity in science is examined in the fields of relativity theory, statistical mechanics and quantum theory, and recent claims of an essential role for human consciousness in physics are rejected. Prospects for a 'Theory of Everything' are considered, and the related question of how to assess scientific progress is carefully examined.
- Extracted from the 1993 Cambridge Tarner lectures
- A non-technical introduction to modern physical theories, such as relativity and quantum theory and their physical significance
- Encompasses discussion concerning the interrelatedness of physics and metaphysics
Reviews & endorsements
"...interesting as a summary of the difficult ideas..." New Scientist
"...a good introduction to this end of the contemporary spectrum of epistemology of science...should be included in introductory science courses." Choice
"From Physics to Metaphysics is a delicious sampler for nonspecialists. The whole, or individual chapters, should work splendidly in a variety of survey courses. Redhead is remarkably accessible... In the end, Redhead makes a good case for his view that `physics and metaphysics blend into a seamless whole, each enriching the other, and that in very truth neither can progress without the other'(87)." Paul Teller, The Philosophical Review
Product details
September 1996Paperback
9780521589666
108 pages
203 × 127 × 7 mm
0.13kg
11 b/w illus.
Available
Table of Contents
- Preface
- Introduction
- 1. Isms and schisms
- 2. Science and subjectivity
- 3. Experimental metaphysics
- 4. Theories of 'Everything'.
