Laws of Physics

"Despite its apparent complexity, our world seems to be governed by simple laws of physics. This Element provides a philosophical introduction to such laws. It explains how they are connected to some of the central issues in philosophy, such as ontology, possibility, explanation, induction, counterfactuals, time, determinism, and fundamentality. The Element suggests that laws are fundamental facts that govern the world by constraining its physical possibilities. I examine three hallmarks of laws - simplicity, exactness, and objectivity - and discuss whether and how they may be associated with laws of physics"--

List of contents

1. Introduction; 2. Conceptual connections; 3. Minimal primitivism; 4. Other accounts; 5. Simplicity; 6. Exactness; 7. Objectivity; 8. Conclusion; References.

Summary

This Element provides a philosophical introduction to laws of physics. They are connected to ontology, possibility, explanation, induction, counterfactuals, time, determinism, and fundamentality. Simplicity, exactness, and objectivity are discussed to see whether and how they may be associated with laws of physics.

Product details

• Authors: Eddy Keming Chen
• Publisher: Cambridge Academic
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 30.06.2024
• EAN: 9781009012720
• ISBN: 978-1-00-901272-0
• Dimensions: 153 mm x 229 mm x 11 mm
• Weight: 300 g
• Illustrations: Worked examples or Exercises
• Series: Elements in the Philosophy of Physics
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Philosophy > General, dictionaries; PHILOSOPHY / General, Philosophy, Philosophy of Science, Philosophy: metaphysics and ontology, Classical mechanics, Quantum physics (quantum mechanics and quantum field theory), Relativity physics, Philosophy: epistemology and theory of knowledge