On Theories: Logical Empiricism and the Methodology of Modern Physics

William Demopoulos' final work argues that the logical empiricist tradition in philosophy of science has failed to appreciate the role of actual experiments in forming its philosophy of science. He provides a new epistemology of theories and evidence that considers actual experiments as they have unfolded across history, offering novel insights into the distinctive nature of quantum reality.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 25 March 2022
Publisher: Harvard University Press

The logical empiricist tradition has played a significant role in shaping twentieth-century philosophy of science, but it falls short in adequately appreciating the role of empirical evidence in modern physics. In his final work, "On Theories," the late philosopher of science William Demopoulos argues that philosophers have failed to provide an adequate epistemology of science because they have neglected the close relationship between theory and evidence. As a result, theory becomes disconnected from evidence, particularly in the case of particle and quantum physics.

To address this issue, Demopoulos proposes a new epistemology of theories and evidence that draws upon the work of Isaac Newton, Jean Perrin, J. J. Thomson, and Robert Millikan. He argues that we must consider actual experiments as they have unfolded across history to gain a deeper understanding of quantum reality. Demopoulos extends this account to offer novel insights into the distinctive nature of quantum reality, where a logico-mathematical reconstruction of Bohrian complementarity meets John Stewart Bells empirical analysis of Einsteins "local realism."

One of the key insights offered by "On Theories" is that quantum probabilities can be interpreted as objectively representing empirical reality. Demopoulos argues that this interpretation is consistent with the principles of quantum mechanics and provides a more accurate account of the nature of quantum phenomena than previous interpretations.

Overall, "On Theories" is a thought-provoking and insightful work that challenges the traditional understanding of science and offers a new perspective on the role of empirical evidence in shaping our understanding of the world. It is a must-read for anyone interested in philosophy of science, physics, and the nature of reality.

Weight: 434g
Dimension: 149 x 218 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674237575