Read more
'At the frontiers of physics and cosmology theoretical speculation proceeds without the constant confrontation with experiment often thought to be required for scientific validation. Richard Dawid explores this issue in the case of string theory. He offers a fascinating new perspective on non-empirical theory assessment, based on the concept of scientific underdetermination. I heartedly recommend this book to both physicists and philosophers.' David Gross, Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics Informationen zum Autor Richard Dawid is a philosopher of science at the University of Vienna and has a PhD in theoretical physics. His main research interests are philosophical questions related to contemporary high energy physics, as well as general issues in philosophy of science. Klappentext This book explains why string theorists develop a strong belief in their theory despite the lack of empirical confirmation.Why do string theorists have such a strong belief in their theory despite the lack of empirical confirmation? This book explores this question, offering a novel insight into the understanding of the scientific process. Aimed at physicists and philosophers of science, the book avoids mathematical formalism and explains technical terms. Inhaltsverzeichnis Introduction; Part I. Delimiting the Unconceived: 1. String theory; 2. The conceptual framework; 3. The assessment of scientific underdetermination in string theory; Part II. A Wider Perspective: 4. The dynamics of high energy physics; 5. Scientific underdetermination in physics and beyond; Part III. Physics and Truth: 6. Final theory claims; 7. An altered perspective on scientific realism; References; Index.
