Is Nature Supernatural?: A Philosophical Exploration of Science and Nature

Altmann, Simon L.

ISBN 10: 1573929166 / ISBN 13: 9781573929165

Edité par Prometheus Books, 2002

Missing dust jacket; Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. N° de réf. du vendeur G1573929166I5N01

Synopsis :

Mathematical truths are often so compelling that some mathematicians, scientists, and philosophers posit a purely nonmaterial realm of eternal truths accessible to the mind alone. Mathematical physicist Simon Altmann carefully criticizes this revival of dualistic philosophy la Plato in this highly stimulating book. Has mathematics and physics discovered a new supernatural world, or is this mental cosmos simply an outgrowth of natural evolutionary processes? This is the crucial philosophical issue that Altmann elucidates.
Altmann provides a thorough philosophical basis to understand the meaning of natural law, the scientific method, and causality in science. He reviews the classical approach to time, space, and the laws of mechanics, and discusses the implications of relativity theory. Key modern concepts, like randomness, probability, and time's arrow are explained, and the nature of mathematics and Gdel's theorems is discussed in depth. A mystery-free treatment of quantum mechanics, Schrdinger's cat, and the famous Bell inequalities follows. He also assesses the reactions of various philosophical schools to these developments - idealism, physicalism, cultural relativism and social constructivism. The book concludes with a fascinating dialogue on science and belief.
Educated lay readers will welcome Altmann's engaging and lucid exposition.

À propos de l?auteur: Simon Altmann(Oxford, UK)is Emeritus Fellow at Brasenose College, University of Oxford.

Détails bibliographiques

Titre : Is Nature Supernatural?: A Philosophical ...
Éditeur : Prometheus Books
Date d'édition : 2002
Reliure : Hardcover
Etat : Fair
Etat de la jaquette : No Jacket