The Philosophy of Physics: Philosophy of Science

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The systematic study of the physical world had its orgins in philosophy; two-and-a-half millennia later, the scientific advances of the twentieth century are bringing the two fields closer together again. In this brilliant new textbook, Lawrence Sklar gives a broad overview of contemporary philosophy of physics which readers at all levels, especially students, should find accessible and engaging. Professor Sklar provides a clear and accurate guide to the key topics: the nature of space and time, the problems of probability and irreversibility in statistical mechanics, and, of course, the many notorious problems raised by quantum mechanics. He discusses sophisticated scientific questions, but avoids the use of technical formalism, so that the discussion will be accessible to those without a training in philosophy or physics.

`Excellent introduction. Ideal for a first course in the subject.'Dr W.H. Newton-Smith, University of Oxford
`A careful, clear, yet sophisticated introduction. It will meet the needs of able students with a particular concern for the physical sciences.'Barry Gower, Durham University
`Clear, useful, accessible'M. Smithhurst, University of Southampton
splendid book. ... One of the book's many attractions is its balanced view of the relationship between physics and philosophy. ... Sklar's book is certainly serious; it is also genuinely introductory. ... this book is an expository tour de force.
Highly readable, informative and ... valuable ... a useful addition to a very good series, the Dimensions of Philosophy Series ... The main value of this volume is that it will provide an excellent introductory and intermediate textbook, which covers all of the key issues with which students must become familiar. The level of discussion of physical theory is ... clear and accurate throughout so that it will provide a stimulus for those students of physics who would like to know much more about the conceptual foundations of major branches of physical theory ... a superb teaching aid. Sklar has the merit of writing clearly, vigorously and with some wit, and this makes the volume very readable.

Introduction: Philosophy and the Physical Sciences -- Space, Time, and Motion -- The Introduction of Probability into Physics -- The Quantum Picture of the World -- Reflections on the Interdependence of Philosophy and Science