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Theory construction and selection in modern physics : the S matrix by Cushing, James T., 1937- is a book available to read on EtoBox.

What is Theory construction and selection in modern physics : the S matrix about?

One of the major philosophical problems in physical sciences is what criteria should determine how scientific theories are selected and justified in practice and whether, in describing observable physical phenomena, such theories are effectively constrained to be unique. This book studies the example of a particular theory, the S-matrix theory. The S-matrix program was initiated by Heisenberg to deal with difficulties encountered in quantum field theories in describing particular phenomena. Since then, each theory has at different times been favored as the explanation of observed phenomena. Certainly the S-matrix theory was adequate, feasible and fertile. However, the quantum field theory interpretation is now widely accepted and the study of alternative theories is all but abandoned. By examining the philosophy which influenced the turns in this story, the author explains how an adequate and viable theory fell out of favor and concludes with a critique of different methodologies in the history of science.

Author

Cushing, James T., 1937-

Publisher

Cambridge ; New York: Cambridge University Press

Published

1990

Language

EN

ISBN

9780521381819

Subjects

Science, Philosophy, Physics