Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface
- 1 Introduction
- 2 The rise of classical field theory
- Part I The geometrical programme for fundamental interactions
- Part II The quantum field programme for fundamental interactions
- Part III The gauge field programme for fundamental interactions
- Appendices
- Bibliography
- Name index
- Subject index
1 - Introduction
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 January 2010
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface
- 1 Introduction
- 2 The rise of classical field theory
- Part I The geometrical programme for fundamental interactions
- Part II The quantum field programme for fundamental interactions
- Part III The gauge field programme for fundamental interactions
- Appendices
- Bibliography
- Name index
- Subject index
Summary
The treatment of the subject in this monograph is selective and interpretive, motivated and guided by some philosophical and methodological considerations, such as those centered around the notions of metaphysics, causality, and ontology, as well as those of progress and research programme. In the literature, however, these notions are often expressed in a vague and ambiguous way, and this has resulted in misconceptions and disputes. The debates over these motivations, concerning their implications for realism, relativism, rationality, and reductionism, have become ever more vehement in recent years, because of a radical reorientation in theoretical discourses. Thus it is obligatory to elaborate as clearly as possible these components of the framework within which I have selected and interpreted the relevant material. I shall begin this endeavor by recounting in section 1.1 my general view on science. After expounding topics concerning the conceptual foundations of physics in sections 1.2–1.4, I shall turn to my understanding of history and the history of science in section 1.5. The introduction ends with an outline of the main story in section 1.6.
Science
Modern science as a social institution emerged in the 16th and 17th centuries as a cluster of human practices by which natural phenomena could be systematically comprehended, described, explained, and manipulated. Among important factors that contributed to its genesis we find crafts (instruments, skills, and guilds or professional societies), social needs (technological innovations demanded by emerging capitalism), magic, and religion. As an extension of everyday activities, science on the practical level aims at solving puzzles, predicting phenomena, and controlling the environment. In this regard, the relevance of crafts and social needs to science is beyond dispute.
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- Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 1997