Physics and Philosophy
Assigned by 1 of the 9 reading lists, catalogue entry only
- Written
- 1958
- Language
- English
- Length
- Short · 200 ppunder 120 pages
- Difficulty
- Demanding3 of 5 for a first-year reader
We recommendPhysics and Philosophy, The Revolution in Modern ScienceHarper Perennial Modern Classics, 2007The current paperback of the Gifford Lectures text, with an introduction by Paul Davies.
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Based on Heisenberg's Gifford Lectures at St Andrews in 1955 and 1956 and written in English, the book explains quantum theory for non-specialists and draws out its consequences for philosophy. He recounts the history of the theory, sets out the Copenhagen interpretation in which the act of observation cannot be separated from what is observed, compares it with Greek atomism, Descartes and Kant, discusses the problem of language in describing atoms, surveys relativity and the criticisms of the Copenhagen view, and closes on the place of modern physics in human thought.
No reading guide yet
The catalogue entry above is complete: the dates, the form, the themes and every program that assigns Physics and Philosophy are verified against each program's published list.
What is missing is the part that takes real work: the summary, the key passages, and a recommended translation. The edition named below is the one most programs assign, so the buy links are useful already.
