A Physicist's Guide to Skepticism

by Milton A. Rothman

Overview

The laws of physics provide clear-cut principles defining what is possible - and not possible - in the physical world. This book examines and critiques many widely held pseudoscientific beliefs in light of these laws. Rather than treating supernatural claims on a case-by-case basis, Milton Rothman uses the general principles supplied by physics to show why they are, in fact, impossible. Rothman divides the laws of physics into two classes: laws of permission and laws of denial. Laws of permission, such as Newton's laws of motion, generally do not allow precise predictions except in the simplest cases. Laws of denial, such as conservation of energy, permit very accurate conclusions about what cannot possibly occur. He uses these concepts to examine and critique the possible existence of various paranormal phenomena, such as UF's, telepathy, perpetual motion machines, poltergeists, etc. He also discusses a number of concepts traditional to science fiction: anti-gravity, faster-than-light travel, time travel, etc., which are shown to be impossible when subject to rigorous examination. Written in a technically accurate yet entertaining style, this book will appeal to the non-specialist yet still present concepts of interest to both professional scientists and philosophers of science.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780879754402
Publisher:	Prometheus Books
Publication date:	04/01/1988
Pages:	247
Product dimensions:	5.69(w) x 8.34(h) x 0.74(d)

About the Author

Milton A. Rothman (1919 - 2001) was a former professor of physics at Trenton State College and a former research physicist at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory in New Jersey. He is the author of many books, including A Physicist's Guide to Skepticism and The Science Gap.

Editorial Reviews

Physicist Rothman clearly and concisely presents the atomic model of nature wherein the workings of our universe are described by interactions between subatomic particles. The first five chapters set forth how these interactions and physical laws manifest themselves. These chapters lay the groundwork enabling readers to acquire the ``pragmatic skepticism'' necessary to respond to phenomena that seemingly contradict laws of nature. Rothman then handles questions dealing with ESP, perpetual motion, telekinesis, and creationism logically and nondefensively, using verifiable physical laws. Pertinent bibliographies accompany each chapter. Highly recommended for informed nonspecialists. Erna Chamberlain, SUNY at Binghamton Lib.

Library Journal