Physics and our View of the World [Paperback]

An examination of the claims of modern physics, and their impact on our view of the world.The philosophical implications of having a blueprint for the Universe is a subject of great debate. A group of distinguished contributing physicists and philosophers accordingly examine not only the claims of modern physics, but the impact these claims can have on our view of the world.The philosophical implications of having a blueprint for the Universe is a subject of great debate. A group of distinguished contributing physicists and philosophers accordingly examine not only the claims of modern physics, but the impact these claims can have on our view of the world.One of the central questions of physics is whether or not a theory of everything is possible. Many physicists believe that such a theory might be attainable, a belief that has led to speculation that we might one day know the mind of God. The philosophical implications of having a blueprint for the Universe are a subject of great debate. In this fascinating book, a group of distinguished physicists and philosophers examine not only the claims of modern physics, but also the impact these claims have on our view of the world. Among the contributors are: Jan Hilgevoord, Gerard 't Hooft, John Barrow, Dennis Dieks, Ernan McMullin, Bas van Fraassen, Paul Feyerabend, Willem Drees, Paul Davies, and Mary Hesse. At a time when many people view science with deep suspicion, this book will be of great interest to anyone wishing to explore the complex relationships that exist between physics and philosophy, theology and ideology.Foreword; 1. Introduction JAN HILGEVOORD; 2. Questioning the answers GERARD T. HOOFT; 3. Theories of everything JOHN BARROW; 4. The scientific view of the world DENNIS DIEKS; 5. Enlarging the world ERNAN McMULLIN; 6. The world of empiricism BAS VAN FRAASSEN; 7. Has the scientific view of the world a special status compared with other views? PAUL FEYERABEND; 8. Quantum theory and our view of the worldló-