Theory Construction and Selection in Modern Physics - The S Matrix (Hardcover, New)

One of the major philosophical problems in physical sciences is what criteria should determine how scientific theories are selected and justified in practice and whether, in describing observable physical phenomena, such theories are effectively constrained to be unique. This book studies the example of a particular theory, the S-matrix theory. The S-matrix program was initiated by Heisenberg to deal with difficulties encountered in quantum field theories in describing particular phenomena. Since then, each theory has at different times been favoured as the explanation of observed phenomena. Certainly the S-matrix theory was adequate, feasible and fertile. However, the quantum field theory interpretation is now widely accepted and the study of alternative theories is all but abandoned. By examining the philosophy which influenced the turns in this story, the author explains how an adequate and viable theory fell out of favour and concludes with a critique of different methodologies in the history of science. This book will be of value to both philosophers of science and physicists interested in the philosophical background to their field.

General

Imprint:	Cambridge UniversityPress
Country of origin:	United Kingdom
Release date:	September 1990
First published:	1990
Authors:	James T. Cushing
Dimensions:	228 x 152 x 28mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Hardcover
Pages:	428
Edition:	New
ISBN-13:	978-0-521-38181-9
Categories:	Books > Science & Mathematics > Science: general issues > History of science Promotions
LSN:	0-521-38181-9
Barcode:	9780521381819

Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate? Let us know about it.

Does this product have an incorrect or missing image? Send us a new image.

Is this product missing categories? Add more categories.

Review This Product

No reviews yet - be the first to create one!