Absolute time and space
Acceleration
Action at a distance
Astronomer
Astronomy
Big Bang
Calculation
Category=PDX
Category=PH
Causality
Celestial sphere
Circular motion
Circumference
Classical electromagnetism
Classical mechanics
Coulomb's law
Earth
Electric charge
Electricity
Electromagnetic field
Electromagnetic radiation
Electromagnetism
eq_bestseller
eq_isMigrated=1
eq_isMigrated=2
eq_nobargain
eq_non-fiction
eq_science
Equivalence principle
Explanation
Galileo Galilei
General relativity
Gravitational field
Gravity
Heliocentrism
Huygens (spacecraft)
Hypothesis
Inference
Instant
James Clerk Maxwell
Light
Luminiferous aether
Magnetism
Mathematics
Maxwell's equations
Measurement
Modern physics
Nebula
Newton's law of universal gravitation
Optics
Orbit
Philosophy of science
Photon
Physical law
Physicist
Prediction
Princeton University Press
Probability
Proportion (architecture)
Proportionality (mathematics)
Quantity
Quantum mechanics
Ray (optics)
Refraction
Relative velocity
Science
Scientist
Special relativity
Speed of light
Stellar parallax
Suggestion
Theoretical physics
Theory
Theory of relativity
Universe
Vacuum
Vibration
Wavelength
Product details
- ISBN 9780691090856
- Weight: 1025g
- Dimensions: 152 x 235mm
- Publication Date: 16 Feb 2003
- Publisher: Princeton University Press
- Publication City/Country: US
- Product Form: Paperback
Secure
checkout
Fast Shipping
Easy returns
The development of physical theory is one of our greatest intellectual achievements. Its products--the currently prevailing theories of physics, astronomy, and cosmology--have proved themselves to possess intrinsic beauty and to have enormous explanatory and predictive power. This anthology of primary readings chronicles the birth and maturation of five such theories (the heliocentric theory, the electromagnetic field theory, special and general relativity, quantum theory, and the big bang theory) in the words of the scientists who brought them to life. It is the first historical account that captures the rich substance of these theories, each of which represents a fascinating story of the interplay of evidence and insight--and of dialogue among great minds. Readers sit in with Copernicus, Kepler, and Galileo as they overturn the geocentric universe; observe the genius of Faraday and Maxwell as they "discover" the electromagnetic field; look over Einstein's shoulder as he works out the details of relativity; listen in as Einstein and Bohr argue for the soul of quantum mechanics in the Completeness Debate; and watch as Hubble and others reveal the history of the universe.
The editors' approach highlights the moments of discovery that rise from scientific creativity, and the presentation humanizes the scientific process, revealing the extent to which great scientists were the first to consider the philosophical implications of their work. But, most significantly, the editors offer this as their central thesis: although each was ushered in by a revolution, and each contains counterintuitive elements that delayed its acceptance, these five theories exhibit a continuous rational development that has led them to a permanent place in the worldview of science. Accessible to the general reader yet sufficiently substantive that working scientists will find value in it, The Tests of Time offers an intimate look into how physical theory has been developed, by the brilliant people who have developed it.
Lisa M. Dolling, Arthur F. Gianelli, and Glenn N. Statile teach the history and philosophy of science on both the graduate and undergraduate levels at St. John's University. Arthur Gianelli is Chair of the Philosophy Department and the coeditor of "The Metaphysical Quest". Lisa Dolling has written and lectured on the philosophy of Niels Bohr and directs the Science and Religion project at St. John's. Glenn Statile has lectured and written on topics in cosmology and the philosophy of science.
