Physics and Metaphysics: Theories of Space and Time / Edition 1

by Jennifer Trusted

Overview

Jennifer Trusted's new book argues that metaphysical beliefs are essential for scientific inquiry. The theories, presuppositions and beliefs that neither science nor everyday experience can justify are the realm of metaphysics, literally ‘beyond physics'. These basic beliefs form a framework for our activities and can be discovered in science, common sense and religion. By examining the history of science from the eleventh century to the present, this book shows how religious and mystical beliefs, as well as philosophical speculation have had a considerable role in motivating scientists and inspiring scientific inquiry.
Physics and Metaphysics presupposes no technical knowledge of either philosophy or science. It is an ideal introduction to science and the important forces that have shaped its history and ideas.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415059480
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	04/25/1991
Edition description:	ANN
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	5.44(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 The ordered cosmos; Chapter 2 Old beliefs and new ideas; Chapter 3 Chaos; Chapter 4 The search for a new order; Chapter 5 The grand design; Chapter 6 The age of reason; Chapter 7 The age of experience; Chapter 8 Problems; Chapter 9 Revolution; Chapter 10 Physics and metaphysics;

Editorial Reviews

Explores the relationship between scientific inquiry and speculative conjecture, presuppositions about the nature of the world, and mystical beliefs that claim to reveal a truer reality than senses can perceive. Shows how both Christian and secular philosophies have allowed and encouraged research, and argues that faith or trust is necessary to understand nature. Assumes no scientific background. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

'I greatly enjoyed this book. As the frontiers of research in physics move out into ever more ambitious and, dare I say, varified territory, so it is all the more important to have the available texts that clarify the philosophical basis of the subject.' - Paul Davies

'Jennifer Trusted has written an interesting account of the relationship between physics and metaphysics in which she has succeeded in an admirable way in drawing together the many philosophical, philosophical and scientific threads without too many snags and tangles. Her account is pitched at a level that does not require an advanced knowledge of either physics or philosophy. It is pleasantly and clearly written, with numerous examples and allusions and helpful summaries.' - Times Higher Education Supplement

'There is plenty in Physics and Metaphysics to stimulate newcomers to the history and philosophy of science, as well as sufficient detail to the case studies for it to serve as a handy reference for those with more acquaintance with the issues. As such, the book is to be recommended as a suitable introduction to the topics of space and time, particularly since the comprehensive referencing provides encouragement for further study, where appropriate.' - International Studies in the Philosophy of Science

'... address topics that intersect both metaphysics and science in ways that ... shed light on their troubled relationship.' - Philosophia

From the Publisher