Laws of Physics

Despite its apparent complexity, our world seems to be governed by simple laws of physics. This volume provides a philosophical introduction to such laws. I explain how they are connected to some of the central issues in philosophy, such as ontology, possibility, explanation, induction, counterfactuals, time, determinism, and fundamentality. I suggest 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, Eddy Keming (University of California Chen
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press ELT
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 30.06.2024
• EAN: 9781009479356
• ISBN: 978-1-0-0947935-6
• No. of pages: 96
• 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