Working Toward Solutions in Fluid Dynamics and Astrophysics: What the Equations Don't Say

This book explores the ongoing dialogue between physical science and philosophy, providing timely and informed analyses of scientific research in fluid mechanics and gravitational wave astrophysics. It addresses deep scientific problems and raises philosophical questions related to scientific explanation, understanding, theory change, measurement, interpretation, realism, and modeling. The audience includes philosophers of science, philosophers of mathematics, scientists with philosophical interests, and students in philosophy, history, mathematics, and science.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 104 pages
Publication date: 29 March 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This book is a vital contribution to the ongoing and fruitful dialogue between physical science and the philosophy of science. It provides timely and comprehensive analyses of cutting-edge scientific research in fluid mechanics and gravitational wave astrophysics, offering valuable insights to researchers and readers alike. These emerging fields of research present profound scientific challenges and raise crucial philosophical questions concerning scientific explanation, understanding, theory change and assessment, measurement, interpretation, realism, and modeling.

The intended audience of this book encompasses philosophers of science, philosophers of mathematics, scientists with a philosophical inclination, and students studying philosophy, history, mathematics, and science. Anyone with an interest in the methods and philosophical underpinnings of the recent groundbreaking work in physics discussed herein will greatly benefit from delving into the pages of this publication.

The book is organized into five chapters, each dedicated to exploring different aspects of the interplay between physical science and philosophy. In the first chapter, the authors provide an overview of the current state of research in fluid mechanics and gravitational wave astrophysics, highlighting the key discoveries, theoretical developments, and philosophical implications. They discuss the challenges and opportunities that arise from these fields, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and philosophical reflection.

Chapter two delves into the philosophical foundations of scientific explanation. The authors explore different approaches to understanding scientific explanation, such as causal explanation, teleological explanation, and mechanistic explanation. They critically evaluate these approaches and discuss their strengths and limitations in explaining the phenomena studied in fluid mechanics and gravitational wave astrophysics. The chapter also explores the role of scientific models in scientific explanation and the challenges associated with modeling complex physical systems.

Chapter three examines the question of scientific understanding. The authors explore the nature of scientific understanding and the factors that contribute to it. They discuss the role of intuition, reasoning, and evidence in scientific understanding and the challenges associated with different types of evidence. The chapter also explores the relationship between scientific understanding and the broader context of human knowledge and belief.

Chapter four explores the issue of scientific theory change and assessment. The authors discuss the process of scientific theory change and the criteria used to evaluate scientific theories. They explore the role of empirical evidence, theoretical consistency, and philosophical reasoning in theory change and assessment. The chapter also discusses the challenges associated with scientific consensus and the role of dissenting voices in scientific progress.

Chapter five examines the question of scientific measurement, interpretation, and realism. The authors explore the methods and techniques used in scientific measurement and the challenges associated with measuring complex physical systems. They discuss the role of interpretation in scientific inquiry and the factors that influence scientific interpretation. The chapter also explores the issue of realism in scientific inquiry and the different philosophical perspectives on realism.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable resource for researchers, philosophers, and students interested in the intersection of physical science and philosophy. It provides a comprehensive and timely analysis of cutting-edge scientific research in fluid mechanics and gravitational wave astrophysics, offering insightful perspectives on scientific explanation, understanding, theory change and assessment, measurement, interpretation, realism, and modeling. By fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and promoting philosophical reflection, this book contributes to the advancement of our understanding of the natural world and the methods by which we seek to explain it.

Weight: 191g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031256851
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023