David Hilbert and the Axiomatization of Physics (1898–1918)

From Grundlagen der Geometrie to Grundlagen der Physik

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Mathematics, History, Science, Physics, General Physics
Cover of the book David Hilbert and the Axiomatization of Physics (1898–1918) by L. Corry, Springer Netherlands
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: L. Corry ISBN: 9781402027789
Publisher: Springer Netherlands Publication: June 29, 2013
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: L. Corry
ISBN: 9781402027789
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Publication: June 29, 2013
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

David Hilbert (1862-1943) was the most influential mathematician of the early twentieth century and, together with Henri Poincaré, the last mathematical universalist. His main known areas of research and influence were in pure mathematics (algebra, number theory, geometry, integral equations and analysis, logic and foundations), but he was also known to have some interest in physical topics. The latter, however, was traditionally conceived as comprising only sporadic incursions into a scientific domain which was essentially foreign to his mainstream of activity and in which he only made scattered, if important, contributions.

Based on an extensive use of mainly unpublished archival sources, the present book presents a totally fresh and comprehensive picture of Hilbert’s intense, original, well-informed, and highly influential involvement with physics, that spanned his entire career and that constituted a truly main focus of interest in his scientific horizon. His program for axiomatizing physical theories provides the connecting link with his research in more purely mathematical fields, especially geometry, and a unifying point of view from which to understand his physical activities in general. In particular, the now famous dialogue and interaction between Hilbert and Einstein, leading to the formulation in 1915 of the generally covariant field-equations of gravitation, is adequately explored here within the natural context of Hilbert’s overall scientific world-view.

This book will be of interest to historians of physics and of mathematics, to historically-minded physicists and mathematicians, and to philosophers of science.

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

David Hilbert (1862-1943) was the most influential mathematician of the early twentieth century and, together with Henri Poincaré, the last mathematical universalist. His main known areas of research and influence were in pure mathematics (algebra, number theory, geometry, integral equations and analysis, logic and foundations), but he was also known to have some interest in physical topics. The latter, however, was traditionally conceived as comprising only sporadic incursions into a scientific domain which was essentially foreign to his mainstream of activity and in which he only made scattered, if important, contributions.

Based on an extensive use of mainly unpublished archival sources, the present book presents a totally fresh and comprehensive picture of Hilbert’s intense, original, well-informed, and highly influential involvement with physics, that spanned his entire career and that constituted a truly main focus of interest in his scientific horizon. His program for axiomatizing physical theories provides the connecting link with his research in more purely mathematical fields, especially geometry, and a unifying point of view from which to understand his physical activities in general. In particular, the now famous dialogue and interaction between Hilbert and Einstein, leading to the formulation in 1915 of the generally covariant field-equations of gravitation, is adequately explored here within the natural context of Hilbert’s overall scientific world-view.

This book will be of interest to historians of physics and of mathematics, to historically-minded physicists and mathematicians, and to philosophers of science.

More books from Springer Netherlands

Cover of the book Epistemology of Decision by L. Corry
Cover of the book The Nationality of Ships by L. Corry
Cover of the book From Critical to Speculative Idealism by L. Corry
Cover of the book Lipid-mediated Protein Signaling by L. Corry
Cover of the book The Far North: by L. Corry
Cover of the book Regenerative Medicine by L. Corry
Cover of the book Resources Accounting in China by L. Corry
Cover of the book Husserl's Logical Investigations Reconsidered by L. Corry
Cover of the book Landforms of the World with Google Earth by L. Corry
Cover of the book Jakob von Uexküll by L. Corry
Cover of the book Agent-Based Models of Geographical Systems by L. Corry
Cover of the book Principles of Biological Control by L. Corry
Cover of the book A history of surgery by L. Corry
Cover of the book Medical Aid at Accidents by L. Corry
Cover of the book Quantum Systems in Chemistry and Physics by L. Corry
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