Philosophy and the New Physics

Philosophy and the New Physics is a philosophical exploration of physics from Newtonian mechanics to quantum physics, challenging the claims of logical positivism, operationalism, organicism, dialectical materialism, and Buddhist metaphysics. It argues that ineradicable elements of conventionality in scientific theories allow for diverse and conflicting interpretations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 222 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Philosophy and the New Physics, originally published in 1982, is a captivating and comprehensive exploration of the evolution of physics, spanning from Newtonian mechanics to quantum physics. This concise yet profound work delves into the philosophical implications of the theory of relativity, quantum mechanics, and concepts related to the fundamental nature of matter. It has sparked extensive philosophical discourse, with some of the theorists behind these theories initially perceiving them as addressing philosophical issues alongside scientific ones.

Classical physics is often portrayed as embodying a mechanistic materialist perspective, and the revolutionary shift in modern physics is often attributed to various philosophical ideologies such as logical positivism, operationalism, organicism, dialectical materialism, and Buddhist metaphysics. In his book, Jonathan Powers challenges these claims and argues that the diverse and conflicting interpretations of modern physics arise from inherent elements of conventionality within scientific theories. This work is a vital resource for scholars and researchers in the fields of philosophy of science and philosophy, broadly speaking.

The book begins by examining the historical development of physics, tracing the contributions of Newtonian mechanics and the subsequent emergence of quantum mechanics. Powers highlights the philosophical debates surrounding these theories, including the debates between proponents of classical mechanics and those who embraced the new paradigms of relativity and quantum theory. He also explores the philosophical implications of the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics, which has been widely accepted in the scientific community.

One of the central themes of Philosophy and the New Physics is the relationship between science and philosophy. Powers argues that science and philosophy are not mutually exclusive but rather are interconnected and complementary. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the philosophical assumptions underlying scientific theories and the impact of these assumptions on our understanding of the natural world. He also discusses the role of philosophy in shaping scientific inquiry and the challenges that arise when scientific theories are interpreted in different ways.

Another important aspect of the book is the discussion of the nature of reality and the fundamental constituents of matter. Powers explores the philosophical implications of the theory of relativity, which challenges our traditional understanding of space, time, and gravity. He also discusses the concept of quantum entanglement, which suggests that particles can become entangled in such a way that their states cannot be described independently of each other. This concept has profound implications for our understanding of the nature of consciousness and the universe.

Throughout the book, Powers employs a clear and accessible writing style, making complex philosophical concepts accessible to a wide audience. He provides insightful commentary on the works of influential philosophers, such as Kant, Hegel, and Russell, and incorporates their ideas into his analysis of the evolution of physics.

In conclusion, Philosophy and the New Physics is a must-read for scholars and researchers interested in the intersection of philosophy and physics. This book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the history of physics, the philosophical implications of scientific theories, and the relationship between science and philosophy. By challenging traditional assumptions and promoting a deeper understanding of the nature of reality, Philosophy and the New Physics contributes to our understanding of the world and the place of science in our intellectual landscape.

Weight: 580g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032527123