Appearance and Reality An Introduction to the Philosophy of Physics [Paperback]

Appearance and Reality: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Physicsaddresses quantum mechanics and relativity and their philosophical implications, focusing on whether these theories of modern physics can help us know nature as it really is, or only as it appears to us. The author clearly explains the foundational concepts and principles ofbothquantum mechanics and relativity and then uses them to argue that wecanknow more than mere appearances, and that wecanknow to some extent the way things really are. He argues that modern physics gives us reason to believe that we can know some things about the objective, real world, but he also acknowledges that we cannot know everything, which results in a position he calls realistic realism. This book is not a survey of possible philosophical interpretations of modern physics, nor does it leap from a caricature of the physics to some wildly alarming metaphysics. Instead, it is careful with the physics and true to the evidence in arriving at its own realistic conclusions. It presents the physics without mathematics, and makes extensive use of diagrams and analogies to explain important ideas. Engaging and accessible,Appearance and Realityserves as an ideal introduction for anyone interested in the intersection of philosophy and physics, including students in philosophy of physics and philosophy of science courses.

Preface
Introduction
1. Physics and Philosophy
Why This Will Require Both Physics and Philosophy
Standards of Proof
From Physics to Philosophy
Useful Philosophical Concepts
Philosophical Issues
Philosophical Evidence
2. Appearance and Reality
Scientific Observation
The Conceptual Influence
The Physical Influence
Nature as It Is
Philosophical Arguments about Realism
Return to Bohr
3. The Special Theory of Relativity
The Principle of Relativity
Space and Time
Relative and Absolute Properties
The Foundatiol#i