Inconsistency, Asymmetry, and Non-Locality

A Philosophical Investigation of Classical Electrodynamics

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Other Sciences, Philosophy & Social Aspects, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science
Cover of the book Inconsistency, Asymmetry, and Non-Locality by Mathias Frisch, Oxford University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Mathias Frisch ISBN: 9780199883776
Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication: March 31, 2005
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: Mathias Frisch
ISBN: 9780199883776
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication: March 31, 2005
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

Mathias Frisch provides the first sustained philosophical discussion of conceptual problems in classical particle-field theories. Part of the book focuses on the problem of a satisfactory equation of motion for charged particles interacting with electromagnetic fields. As Frisch shows, the standard equation of motion results in a mathematically inconsistent theory, yet there is no fully consistent and conceptually unproblematic alternative theory. Frisch describes in detail how the search for a fundamental equation of motion is partly driven by pragmatic considerations (like simplicity and mathematical tractability) that can override the aim for full consistency. The book also offers a comprehensive review and criticism of both the physical and philosophical literature on the temporal asymmetry exhibited by electromagnetic radiation fields, including Einstein's discussion of the asymmetry and Wheeler and Feynman's influential absorber theory of radiation. Frisch argues that attempts to derive the asymmetry from thermodynamic or cosmological considerations fail and proposes that we should understand the asymmetry as due to a fundamental causal constraint. The book's overarching philosophical thesis is that standard philosophical accounts that strictly identify scientific theories with a mathematical formalism and a mapping function specifying the theory's ontology are inadequate, since they permit neither inconsistent yet genuinely successful theories nor thick causal notions to be part of fundamental physics.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Mathias Frisch provides the first sustained philosophical discussion of conceptual problems in classical particle-field theories. Part of the book focuses on the problem of a satisfactory equation of motion for charged particles interacting with electromagnetic fields. As Frisch shows, the standard equation of motion results in a mathematically inconsistent theory, yet there is no fully consistent and conceptually unproblematic alternative theory. Frisch describes in detail how the search for a fundamental equation of motion is partly driven by pragmatic considerations (like simplicity and mathematical tractability) that can override the aim for full consistency. The book also offers a comprehensive review and criticism of both the physical and philosophical literature on the temporal asymmetry exhibited by electromagnetic radiation fields, including Einstein's discussion of the asymmetry and Wheeler and Feynman's influential absorber theory of radiation. Frisch argues that attempts to derive the asymmetry from thermodynamic or cosmological considerations fail and proposes that we should understand the asymmetry as due to a fundamental causal constraint. The book's overarching philosophical thesis is that standard philosophical accounts that strictly identify scientific theories with a mathematical formalism and a mapping function specifying the theory's ontology are inadequate, since they permit neither inconsistent yet genuinely successful theories nor thick causal notions to be part of fundamental physics.

More books from Oxford University Press

Cover of the book The Power of Positive Parenting by Mathias Frisch
Cover of the book Unfinished Work by Mathias Frisch
Cover of the book The Development of Relational Aggression by Mathias Frisch
Cover of the book Globalization: A Very Short Introduction by Mathias Frisch
Cover of the book A Historical Guide to Emily Dickinson by Mathias Frisch
Cover of the book Digital Discourse by Mathias Frisch
Cover of the book Marc Blitzstein:His Life, His Work, His World by Mathias Frisch
Cover of the book Nagarjuna's Madhyamaka by Mathias Frisch
Cover of the book The Eyes of the People by Mathias Frisch
Cover of the book Ghosts International: Troll and Other Stories - With Audio Level 2 Oxford Bookworms Library by Mathias Frisch
Cover of the book Jazz: Grove Music Essentials by Mathias Frisch
Cover of the book A Cabinet of Byzantine Curiosities by Mathias Frisch
Cover of the book The Elegant Canadians by Mathias Frisch
Cover of the book The Nature of Moral Responsibility by Mathias Frisch
Cover of the book Kharijites: Oxford Bibliographies Online Research Guide by Mathias Frisch
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy