Foundations of PhysicsHeidelberg, New York, 1967 - 311 стор. This is not an introduction to physics but an analysis of its founda tions. Indeed, the aims of this book are: (1) to analyze the form and content of some of the key ideas of physics; (2) to formulate several basic physical theories in an explicit and orderly (i. e. , axiomatic) fashion; (3) to exhibit their presuppositions and discuss some of their philosoph ical implications; (4) to discuss some of the controversial issues, and (5) to debunk certain dusty philosophical tenets that obscure the under standing of physics and hinder its progress. To the extent to which these goals are attained, the volume can serve as a companion to studies in theoretical physics aiming at deepening the understanding of the logical structure and the physical meaning of our science. In order to keep the book slender, whole fields of basic physical research had to be excluded - chiefly many-body physics, quantum field theories, and elementary particle theories. A large coverage was believed to be less important than a comparatively detailed analysis and reconstruction of three representative monuments: classical mechan ics, general relativity, and quantum mechanics, as well as their usually unrecognized presuppositions. The reader is invited to join the project and supply some of the many missing chapters - or to rewrite the present ones entirely. |
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assumptions axiom axiomatic basic body BUNGE characterize classical mechanics classical physics concept concerning consequences conservation constitutive constitutive equations coordinate system covariant definite differentiable manifold dynamical e.m. field e.m. signals empirical entail equivalence equivalence principle exists experience experimental field equations field theory force formal formulas foundations function geometry given gravitational field hamiltonian heuristic hypotheses independent inertial frame interpretation introduced invariant lagrangian law statements logical Lorentz Lorentz covariant Lorentz transformation mass mathematical matter MAXWELL'S equations measurement mechanics metric momentum Moreover observer occur operationalist operations p-complete particle particular philosophical physical meaning physical system physical theory postulates predictions presupposes primitives principle probability properties protophysics quantons quantum quantum mechanics reference frame relation relative relativistic Remarks represents Schrödinger Schrödinger equation semantical space spacetime specific symbols tensor testable theoretical tion transformation unobservable variables vector velocity wave σεΣ