Observational Foundations of Physics

by Sir Alan H. Cook

Overview

This intriguing book examines the questions of how the ways in which we observe the world determine theories of physics and how we can get reliable results that enable us to make secure predictions. The first chapters deal with the theories of quantum mechanics and relativity and are followed by a discussion of chaotic dynamics. The uncertainty of observations and probabilistic agruments in physics are then treated. Finally, it is argued that the success of prediction is reason for believing in the existence of a world independent of ourselves.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521455978
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	05/19/1994
Pages:	180
Product dimensions:	5.94(w) x 8.94(h) x 0.39(d)

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. Standards of time and equations of motion; 3. Observations at a distance: Special relativity; 4. Microphysics: Relativistic quantum mechanics; 5. Indeterminacy in theory and observation; 6.Why does mathematical physics work?; 7. Probable argument; 8. Conclusion; Appendix; References.

Editorial Reviews

"...presents an interesting challenge, and experienced readers will be stimulated to decide whether to accept the author's picture or to create their own." Rudolf Peirls, Physics Today

From the Publisher