Quantum Physics in One Dimension. Abstract This book presents correlated systems in one dimension. Recent progress in nanotechnology and material research has made one-dimensional systems a crucial part of today's physics. After an introduction to the basic concepts of correlated systems, the book gives a step-by-step description of the techniques needed to treat one-dimension systems, and discusses the resulting physics. Then, specific experimental realizations of one-dimensional systems such as spin chains, quantum wires, nanotubes, and organic superconductors are examined. Keywords: correlated systems, one dimensional-systems, spin chains, quantum wires, nanotubes, organic superconductors Bibliographic Information. The reign of relativity. Abstract The general theory of relativity (1915) was also a defining event for 20th century philosophy of science.
During the decisive first ten years of the theory’s existence, two main tendencies dominated its philosophical reception. It is argued that the path actually taken, which became logical empiricist philosophy of science, greatly contributed to the current impasse over scientific realism. On the other hand, new possibilities are opened in revisiting and reviving the spirit of a more sophisticated tendency, here broadly termed ‘transcendental idealism,’ a cluster of viewpoints principally ass ... The general theory of relativity (1915) was also a defining event for 20th century philosophy of science. Keywords: general theory of relativity, logical empiricism, scientific realism, transcendental idealism, Ernst Cassirer, Hermann Weyl, Arthur Eddington, Edmund Husserl, Albert Einstein, structural realism Bibliographic Information.
The Problems of Physics. Abstract Is the universe infinite, or does it have an edge beyond which there is, quite literally, nothing? Do we live in the only possible universe? Why does it have one time and three space dimensions — or does it? What is it made of? What does it mean when we hear that a new particle has been discovered?
Is the universe infinite, or does it have an edge beyond which there is, quite literally, nothing? Keywords: universe, time dimension, space dimensions, particle physics, cosmology, high-energy physics, condensed-matter physics Bibliographic Information. Identity in physics. Abstract Drawing on philosophical accounts of identity and individuality, as well as the histories of both classical and quantum physics, this book explores two alternative metaphysical approaches to quantum particles. It asks if quantum particles can be regarded as individuals, just like books, tables, and people. Taking the first approach, the book argues that if quantum particles are regarded as individuals, then Leibniz’s famous Principle of the Identity of Indiscernibles is in fact violated.
Recent discussions of this conclusion are analysed in detail and the costs involved in saving the Princip ... More Drawing on philosophical accounts of identity and individuality, as well as the histories of both classical and quantum physics, this book explores two alternative metaphysical approaches to quantum particles. Bibliographic Information Authors Affiliations are at time of print publication. Steven French, author University of Leeds Author Webpage MoreLess. The metaphysics within physics. Abstract What fundamental account of the world is implicit in physical theory?
Physics straightforwardly postulates quarks and electrons, but what of the more intangible elements, such as laws of nature, universals, and the direction of time? Do they have a place in the physical structure of the world? This book argues that the ontology derived from physics takes a form quite different from those most commonly defended by philosophers. What fundamental account of the world is implicit in physical theory? Keywords: physical theory, intangible elements, laws of nature, universals, causation, time Bibliographic Information.
First course in string theory. Persistence and Spacetime. Abstract Material objects persist through time and survive change. How do they manage to do so? What are the underlying facts of persistence? Do objects persist by being ”wholly present” at all moments of time at which they exist? Material objects persist through time and survive change. Keywords: persistence, spacetime, endurance, perdurance, exdurance, three‐dimensionalism, four‐dimensionalism, parthood, location, ontology, vagueness, temporal part, relativity theory, Einstein Bibliographic Information.