Einstein / Thomas Ryckman.

By:

Material type: Text

TextLanguage: English Series: Routledge philosophersPublication details: Routledge, 2017.Description: xxii, 405 pages : illustrations ; 23 cmISBN:

9780415773263 (hbk)
9780415773270 (pbk)

Subject(s):

DDC classification:

530.092 B 23 RYC

Contents:

Cover Title Copyright Dedication Contents Acknowledgements Chronology Introduction One Life and works Part I Quantum theory Two On the road to Planck 1900 Three Contributions to the old quantum theory Four Quantum mechanics Part II Relativity Five Special relativity Six General relativity Part III Geometry and philosophy Seven Geometry and experience Eight Philosophy of science – realism Nine Philosophy of science – constructivism Ten Philosophy of science – rationalism Eleven Influence and legacy Glossary Index

Summary: Albert Einstein (1879–1955) was the most influential physicist of the 20th century. Less well known is that fundamental philosophical problems, such as concept formation, the role of epistemology in developing and explaining the character of physical theories, and the debate between positivism and realism, played a central role in his thought as a whole. Thomas Ryckman shows that already at the beginning of his career - at a time when the twin pillars of classical physics, Newtonian mechanics and Maxwell’s electromagnetism were known to have but limited validity - Einstein sought to advance physical theory by positing certain physical principles as secure footholds. That philosophy produced his greatest triumph, the general theory of relativity, and his greatest failure, an unwillingness to accept quantum mechanics. This book shows that Einstein’s philosophy grew from a lifelong aspiration for a unified theoretical representation encompassing all physical phenomena. It also considers how Einstein’s theories of relativity and criticisms of quantum theory shaped the course of 20th-century philosophy of science. Including a chronology, glossary, chapter summaries, and suggestions for further reading, Einstein is an ideal introduction to this iconic figure in 20th-century science and philosophy. It is essential reading for students of philosophy of science, and is also suitable for those working in related areas such as physics, history of science, or intellectual history.

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Holdings
Item type	Current library	Collection	Call number	Status	Date due	Barcode
General Books	CUTN Central Library Sciences	Non-fiction	530.092 B RYC (Browse shelf(Opens below))	Available		49322

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Cover
Title
Copyright
Dedication
Contents
Acknowledgements
Chronology
Introduction
One Life and works
Part I Quantum theory
Two On the road to Planck 1900
Three Contributions to the old quantum theory
Four Quantum mechanics
Part II Relativity
Five Special relativity
Six General relativity
Part III Geometry and philosophy
Seven Geometry and experience
Eight Philosophy of science – realism
Nine Philosophy of science – constructivism
Ten Philosophy of science – rationalism
Eleven Influence and legacy
Glossary
Index

Albert Einstein (1879–1955) was the most influential physicist of the 20th century. Less well known is that fundamental philosophical problems, such as concept formation, the role of epistemology in developing and explaining the character of physical theories, and the debate between positivism and realism, played a central role in his thought as a whole. Thomas Ryckman shows that already at the beginning of his career - at a time when the twin pillars of classical physics, Newtonian mechanics and Maxwell’s electromagnetism were known to have but limited validity - Einstein sought to advance physical theory by positing certain physical principles as secure footholds. That philosophy produced his greatest triumph, the general theory of relativity, and his greatest failure, an unwillingness to accept quantum mechanics. This book shows that Einstein’s philosophy grew from a lifelong aspiration for a unified theoretical representation encompassing all physical phenomena. It also considers how Einstein’s theories of relativity and criticisms of quantum theory shaped the course of 20th-century philosophy of science. Including a chronology, glossary, chapter summaries, and suggestions for further reading, Einstein is an ideal introduction to this iconic figure in 20th-century science and philosophy. It is essential reading for students of philosophy of science, and is also suitable for those working in related areas such as physics, history of science, or intellectual history.

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