Quantum Theory and the Flight from Realism

Philosophical Responses to Quantum Mechanics

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy
Cover of the book Quantum Theory and the Flight from Realism by Christopher Norris, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Christopher Norris ISBN: 9781134595242
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: November 1, 2002
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Christopher Norris
ISBN: 9781134595242
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: November 1, 2002
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

This book is a critical introduction to the long-standing debate concerning the conceptual foundations of quantum mechanics and the problems it has posed for physicists and philosophers from Einstein to the present. Quantum theory has been a major infulence on postmodernism, and presents significant problems for realists. Keeping his own realist position in check, Christopher Norris subjects a wide range of key opponents and supporters of realism to a high and equal level of scrutiny. With a characteristic combination of rigour and intellectual generosity, he draws out the merits and weaknesses from opposing arguments. In a sequence of closely argued chapters, Norris examines the premises of orthodox quantum theory, as developed most influentially by Bohr and Heisenberg, and its impact on varous philosophical developments. These include the ideas developed by W.V Quine, Thomas Kuhn, Michael Dummett, Bas van Fraassen, and Hilary Puttnam. In each case, Norris argues, these thinkers have been influenced by the orthodox construal of quantum mechanics as requiring drastic revision of principles which had hitherto defined the very nature of scientific method, causal explanati and rational enquiry. Putting the case for a realist approach which adheres to well-tried scientific principles of causal reasoning and inference to the best explanation, Christopher Norris clarifies these debates to a non-specialist readership and scholars of philosophy, science studies and the philosophy of science alike. Quantum Theory and the Flight From Realism suggests that philosophical reflection can contribute to a better understanding of these crucial, current issues.

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

This book is a critical introduction to the long-standing debate concerning the conceptual foundations of quantum mechanics and the problems it has posed for physicists and philosophers from Einstein to the present. Quantum theory has been a major infulence on postmodernism, and presents significant problems for realists. Keeping his own realist position in check, Christopher Norris subjects a wide range of key opponents and supporters of realism to a high and equal level of scrutiny. With a characteristic combination of rigour and intellectual generosity, he draws out the merits and weaknesses from opposing arguments. In a sequence of closely argued chapters, Norris examines the premises of orthodox quantum theory, as developed most influentially by Bohr and Heisenberg, and its impact on varous philosophical developments. These include the ideas developed by W.V Quine, Thomas Kuhn, Michael Dummett, Bas van Fraassen, and Hilary Puttnam. In each case, Norris argues, these thinkers have been influenced by the orthodox construal of quantum mechanics as requiring drastic revision of principles which had hitherto defined the very nature of scientific method, causal explanati and rational enquiry. Putting the case for a realist approach which adheres to well-tried scientific principles of causal reasoning and inference to the best explanation, Christopher Norris clarifies these debates to a non-specialist readership and scholars of philosophy, science studies and the philosophy of science alike. Quantum Theory and the Flight From Realism suggests that philosophical reflection can contribute to a better understanding of these crucial, current issues.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Criminal Evidence by Christopher Norris
Cover of the book Emma Hamilton and Late Eighteenth-Century European Art by Christopher Norris
Cover of the book The Maastricht Treaty: Second Thoughts after 20 Years by Christopher Norris
Cover of the book National Security in the Obama Administration by Christopher Norris
Cover of the book Security Cooperation in Northeast Asia by Christopher Norris
Cover of the book Awhad al-Dīn Kirmānī and the Controversy of the Sufi Gaze by Christopher Norris
Cover of the book The Trauma of Terrorism by Christopher Norris
Cover of the book Volume 16, Tome II: Kierkegaard's Literary Figures and Motifs by Christopher Norris
Cover of the book Trauma, Dissociation and Health by Christopher Norris
Cover of the book Britain and Ballistic Missile Defence, 1942-2002 by Christopher Norris
Cover of the book Negotiating Family Responsibilities by Christopher Norris
Cover of the book Forms of Feeling by Christopher Norris
Cover of the book Vegetation & Biogeographyof The Sand Seas Of Arabia by Christopher Norris
Cover of the book Paying for Broadcasting: The Handbook by Christopher Norris
Cover of the book An Introduction to Corporate Environmental Management by Christopher Norris
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