Idealizations in Physics

This Element offers an opinionated and selective introduction to philosophical issues concerning idealizations in physics, including the concept of and reasons for introducing idealization, abstraction, and approximation, possible taxonomy and justification, and application to issues of mathematical Platonism, scientific realism, and scientific understanding.

List of contents

1. Introduction; 2. Idealization, abstraction, and approximation; 3. Taxonomies; 4. Justification; 5. Platonism; 6. Realism; 7. Understanding; 8. Epilogue; References.

Summary

This Element offers an opinionated introduction to philosophical issues concerning idealizations in physics, including the concept of and reasons for introducing idealization, abstraction, and approximation, possible taxonomy and justification, and application to issues of mathematical Platonism, scientific realism, and scientific understanding.

Foreword

This Element explores questions concerning idealizations in physics and discusses their implications.

Product details

• Authors: Elay Shech, Elay (Auburn University Shech
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press ELT
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 31.12.2022
• EAN: 9781108925044
• ISBN: 978-1-108-92504-4
• No. of pages: 75
• Series: Elements in the Philosophy of Physics
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Philosophy; Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Physics, astronomy > Mechanics, acoustics; Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Philosophy: general, reference works; SCIENCE / Physics / General, SCIENCE / Philosophy & Social Aspects, SCIENCE / Mechanics / General, Philosophy of Science, Physics, Classical mechanics