Physicists in Conflict: From Antiquity to the New Millennium

by Neil A. Porter

Overview

Dialogue in science is essential for progress. But when dialogue becomes conflict or further intensifies to persecution the situation is harmful not only to science, but also to the wider society in which science exists. This is true whether the conflict is internal, in the case of Boltzmann, or external, as with Galileo and Oppenheimer against the

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781040217559
Publisher:	CRC Press
Publication date:	01/01/1998
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	276
File size:	3 MB

Table of Contents

Introduction. Religion rampant: Hypatia, Roger Bacon, Giordano Bruno. Galileo and the inquisition. Kepler. Internal conflict. The atomic theory and positivist philosophy. N-rays. Einstein and the Copenhagen school. Oppenheimer and the AEC. Blackett, Cherwell, Tizard: Operational research and total war. The big bang versus continuous creation. Multiple versus plural photon and particle production. Missing magnetic monopoles. Conclusions. Postscript References. Glossary. Bibliographical discussion. Bibliography. Index.

Editorial Reviews

Porter, best known for his work on magnetic monopoles and black holes, explores the nature of conflict beyond constructive dialogue in three domains of physics: with religion (e.g. Galileo); between physicists on key scientific issues (Galileo and Kepler); and internally and externally on public policy matters (Oppenheimer, Teller, and the Atomic Energy Commission). Of interest to physicists and general readers (for whom there is a glossary). Includes b&w photos and graphics. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Booknews

"…very clear, accessible, and quite accurate survey of a number of fascinating debates within physics."
-ISIS

From the Publisher