Observational Foundations of Physics [Hardcover]

An exploration of the relationship between mathematical theories and physical observations.Of interest to all concerned with the empirical and metaphysical foundations of science, from physicists to philosophers, this book examines the questions of how the ways we observe the world determine theories of physics and how we can get reliable results that enable us to make secure predictions.Of interest to all concerned with the empirical and metaphysical foundations of science, from physicists to philosophers, this book examines the questions of how the ways we observe the world determine theories of physics and how we can get reliable results that enable us to make secure predictions.This intriguing book examines the questions of how the ways in which we observe the world determine theories of physics and how we can get reliable results that enable us to make secure predictions. The first chapters deal with the theories of quantum mechanics and relativity and are followed by a discussion of chaotic dynamics. The uncertainty of observations and probabilistic agruments in physics are then treated. Finally, it is argued that the success of prediction is reason for believing in the existence of a world independent of ourselves.Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. Standards of time and equations of motion; 3. Observations at a distance: Special relativity; 4. Microphysics: Relativistic quantum mechanics; 5. Indeterminacy in theory and observation; 6.Why does mathematical physics work?; 7. Probable argument; 8. Conclusion; Appendix; References. ...presents an interesting challenge, and experienced readers will be stimulated to decide whether to accept the author's picture or to create their own. Rudolf Peirls, Physics Today