From paradox to reality : our basic concepts of the physical world / Fritz Rohrlich.
By: Rohrlich, F.
Material type: BookPublisher: Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 1989Description: 227 p. : charts ; 25 cm. + pbk.ISBN: 052137605X.Subject(s): Relativity (Physics) | Quantum theory | Science -- PhilosophyDDC classification: 530.11Item type | Current library | Call number | Copy number | Status | Date due | Barcode | Item holds |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
General Lending | MTU Bishopstown Library Lending | 530.11 (Browse shelf(Opens below)) | 1 | Available | 00030501 |
Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:
Using a clear, non-technical style, Professor Rohrlich discusses the two major theories of twentieth-century physics: relativity and quantum mechanics. Discussed conceptually and philosophically, rather than using mathematics, the philosophical issues raised show how new discoveries forced physicists to accept often strange and unconventional notions. He aims to remove the mystery and misrepresentation that often surround the ideas of modern physics and to show how modern scientists construct theories, so that the reader can appreciate their successes and failures and understand problems that are as yet unresolved.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 205-218) and indexes.
Part A: At the root of the endeavor -- Part B: The world of relativity -- Part C: The quantum world.
Table of contents provided by Syndetics
- Preface
- Part I At the Roof of the Endeavor
- 1 Human limitations
- 2 Theory and the role of mathematics
- 3 Scientific objectivity
- 4 The aim of scientific theory
- Part II The World of Relativity
- 5 Space and time: from absolute to relative
- 6 Imposed consistency: special relativity
- 7 Gravitation as geometry: general relativity
- 8 Revolutions without revolutions
- Part III The Quantum World
- 9 The limits of the classical world
- 10 Concepts of the quantum world
- 11 From apparent paradox to a new reality
- 12 The present state of the art
- Epilogue
- Notes
- Glossary of technical terms
- Name index
- Subject index