The Reality of the Unobservable: Observability, Unobservability and Their Impact on the Issue of Scientific Realism / Edition 1

Hardcover (Print)
Buy New
Buy New from BN.com
$258.24
(Save 4%)
Used and New from Other Sellers
Used and New from Other Sellers
from $203.51
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
(Save 24%)
Other sellers (Hardcover)
  • All (9) from $203.51   
  • New (4) from $206.52   
  • Used (5) from $203.51   

More About This Textbook

Overview

The debate on realism in physics is usually focused on the reality of unobservable entities admitted in physical theories. This reality has been often denied (e.g., by Bas van Fraassen). The present book shows that observability is a very complex notion that does not really have direct implications on ontological issues related to the existence of the non-observable entities. This is shown through historical, philosophical and scientific considerations presented in the different parts of the book. Emphasis is also given to the role of experiments, measurement procedures and computer-analyzed data as interface between the theoretical and experimental cultures.
Read More Show Less

Editorial Reviews

Booknews
Unidentified contributors argue that observability is a very complex notion that does not really have direct implications on ontological issues related to the existence of non-observable entities. In the context of expressed doubt about the reality of unobservable phenomena posited by the physical sciences, they cover the origin of scientific realism, general philosophy and scientific realism, the philosophy of observation, the philosophy of quantum theory, and specific issues of observability in quantum theory. Among the individual topics are some examples of abduction and non-observability from language and cognitive sciences, testability and empiricism, efficient and final causes as CPT reciprocals, and individualistic and statistical interpretations of quantum mechanics. There is no subject index. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Read More Show Less

Product Details

Table of Contents

Observability and Scientific Realism 1
Section Summaries 8
The Origin of Scientific Realism: Boltzman, Planck, Einstein 31
Observability and Referentiality 45
A new Approach to Human Cognition and its Significance for the Philosophy of Science 59
Abduction and Non-Observability - Some Examples from Language Science and the Cognitive Science 87
'Scientific Realism' and Scientific Practice 113
Random Philosophy 123
Formal Representation and the Subjective Side of Scientific Realism 129
Convention and Observability - Poincare once again 137
Scientific Realism, Objectivity, and 'Technological Realism' 145
Testability and Empiricism 153
Observing the Unobservable 165
What does it Mean to Observe Physical Reality? 177
Realism, and the Case of Rival Theories without Observable Differences 191
Measurability, Computability and the Existence of Theoretical Entities 207
Observation, Construction and Speculation in Cosmology 219
Where did the Notion that Forces are Unobservable come from? 231
Quantum Mechanics without the Observables 241
Observation, Contextuality and Realism 251
Leibniz, Kant and the Quantum - A Provocative Point of View about Observation, Space-Time, and the Mind-Body Issue 257
Efficient and Final Causes as CPT Reciprocals 283
Observability and Realism in Modern Experiments with Correlated Quantum Systems 293
Quantum Mechanics, Realism and the Ultimate Observer 311
Individualistic and Statistical Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics 317
How to Observe Quarks 329
Common Experience and Quantum Theory - Observables and Beables 343
On the Relationships between Classical and Quantum Mechanics 353
Read More Show Less

Customer Reviews

Be the first to write a review
( 0 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(0)

4 Star

(0)

3 Star

(0)

2 Star

(0)

1 Star

(0)

Your Rating:

Review Guidelines
Add Recommendations
Your Name: Create a Pen Name or

Barnes & Noble.com Review Rules

Our reader reviews allow you to share your comments on titles you liked, or didn't, with others. By submitting an online review, you are representing to Barnes & Noble.com that all information contained in your review is original and accurate in all respects, and that the submission of such content by you and the posting of such content by Barnes & Noble.com does not and will not violate the rights of any third party. Please follow the rules below to help ensure that your review can be posted.

Reviews by Our Customers Under the Age of 13

We highly value and respect everyone's opinion concerning the titles we offer. However, we cannot allow persons under the age of 13 to have accounts at BN.com or to post customer reviews. Please see our Terms of Use for more details.

What to exclude from your review:

Please do not write about reviews, commentary, or information posted on the product page. If you see any errors in the information on the product page, please send us an email.

Reviews should not contain any of the following:

  • - HTML tags, profanity, obscenities, vulgarities, or comments that defame anyone
  • - Time-sensitive information such as tour dates, signings, lectures, etc.
  • - Single-word reviews. Other people will read your review to discover why you liked or didn't like the title. Be descriptive.
  • - Comments focusing on the author or that may ruin the ending for others
  • - Phone numbers, addresses, URLs
  • - Pricing and availability information or alternative ordering information
  • - Advertisements or commercial solicitation

Reminder:

  • - By submitting a review, you grant to Barnes & Noble.com and its sublicensees the royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable right and license to use the review in accordance with the Barnes & Noble.com Terms of Use.
  • - Barnes & Noble.com reserves the right not to post any review -- particularly those that do not follow the terms and conditions of these Rules. Barnes & Noble.com also reserves the right to remove any review at any time without notice.
  • - See Terms of Use for other conditions and disclaimers.
Search for Products You'd Like to Recommend

Recommend other products that relate to your review. Just search for them below and share!

Create a Pen Name

Your Pen Name is your unique identity on BN.com. It will appear on the reviews you write and other website activities. Your Pen Name cannot be edited, changed or deleted once submitted.

 
Your Pen Name can be any combination of alphanumeric characters (plus - and _), and must be at least two characters long.

Continue Anonymously
    If you find inappropriate content, please report it to Barnes & Noble
    Why is this product inappropriate?
    Comments (optional)