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Title
The mathematical representation of physical reality / Shahen Hacyan.
ISBN
9783031212543 (electronic bk.)
3031212541 (electronic bk.)
9783031212536
3031212533
Published
Cham : Springer, [2023]
Copyright
©2023
Language
English
Description
1 online resource (xiii, 155 pages) : illustrations.
Item Number
10.1007/978-3-031-21254-3 doi
Call Number
QC19.6
Dewey Decimal Classification
530.15
Summary
This book deals with the rise of mathematics in physical sciences, beginning with Galileo and Newton and extending to the present day. The book is divided into two parts. The first part gives a brief history of how mathematics was introduced into physicsdespite its "unreasonable effectiveness" as famously pointed out by a distinguished physicistand the criticisms it received from earlier thinkers. The second part takes a more philosophical approach and is intended to shed some light on that mysterious effectiveness. For this purpose, the author reviews the debate between classical philosophers on the existence of innate ideas that allow us to understand the world and also the philosophically based arguments for and against the use of mathematics in physical sciences. In this context, Schopenhauers conceptions of causality and matter are very pertinent, and their validity is revisited in light of modern physics. The final question addressed is whether the effectiveness of mathematics can be explained by its existence in an independent platonic realm, as Gdel believed. The book aims at readers interested in the history and philosophy of physics. It is accessible to those with only a very basic (not professional) knowledge of physics.
Bibliography, etc. Note
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Access Note
Access limited to authorized users.
Source of Description
Description based on print version record.
Series
Frontiers collection.
Introduction
1.Classical Period
2.Enlightenment
3.Electricity and Magnetism
4.Modern Physics: Relativity
5.Modern Physics: Quantum Mechanics
6.Quantum paradoxes
7.Quantum Mechanics and Relativity
8.Other (Mathematical) Worlds
9.Cosmology
10.For Mathematics
11.Against Mathematics
12.Programs of the Mind
13.Geometry a priori
14.Causality, Sufficient Reason and Determinism
15.Matter and Causality
16.Mathematics and Reality
17.Conclusions: PythagorasDream. .