Physics and PhilosophyThis collection of the writings of Paul Feyerabend is focused on his philosophy of quantum physics, the hotbed of the key issues of his most debated ideas. Written between 1948 and 1970, these writings come from his first and most productive period. These early works are important for two main reasons. First, they document Feyerabend's deep concern with the philosophical implications of quantum physics and its interpretations. These ideas were paid less attention in the following two decades. Second, the writings provide the crucial background for Feyerabend's critiques of Karl Popper and Thomas Kuhn. Although rarely considered by scholars, Feyerabend's early work culminated in the first version of Against Method. These writings guided him on all the key issues of his most well-known and debated theses, such as the incommensurability thesis, the principles of proliferation and tenacity, and his particular version of relativism, and more specifically on quantum mechanics. |
Contents
The Concept of Intelligibility in Modern Physics 1948 | 3 |
Physics and Ontology 1954 | 9 |
Determinism and Quantum Mechanics 1954 | 25 |
A Remark on von Neumanns Proof 1956 | 46 |
Complementarity 1958 | 49 |
Niels Bohrs Interpretation of the Quantum Theory 1961 | 74 |
Rejoinder to Hanson 1961 | 95 |
Problems of Microphysics 1962 | 99 |
Dialectical Materialism and the Quantum Theory 1966 | 219 |
Remarks about the Application of NonClassical Logics in Quantum Theory 1966 | 225 |
On the Possibility of a Perpetuum Mobile of the Second Kind 1966 | 234 |
In Defence of Classical Physics 1970 | 239 |
Review of John von Neumann Mathematical Foundations | 294 |
Comments on Hills Quantum Physics and Relativity | 311 |
Philosophical Problems of Quantum Theory 1964 | 346 |
Ludwig Boltzmann 18441906 1967 | 366 |
About Conservative Traits in the Sciences and Especially in Quantum Theory and Their Elimination 1963 | 188 |
Problems of Microphysics 1964 | 201 |
Peculiarity and Change in Physical Knowledge 1965 | 211 |
Erwin Schrödinger 18871961 1967 | 383 |
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according applied argument Aristotelian assertion assume assumption ation atomic theory attempt basis behavior Bohm Bohm’s Bohr Bohr’s Boltzmann classical concepts classical mechanics classical physics complementarity completely contradict Copenhagen interpretation criticism described difficulties discussion domain duality Einstein electron elementary elements empirical Empiricism energy equation example exist experience experimental explained fact Feyerabend formalism Galileo Heisenberg hypothesis ideas interaction knowledge Landé laws lead logical macroscopic mathematical matrix mechanics matter Max Born means measurement motion natural natural philosophy Neumann’s Newton’s Niels Bohr objective observation Parmenidean particle phenomena Philosophy of Science physical theory physicists picture Planck point of view Popper position positivistic possible postulate prediction present principle problem Professor properties quantum mechanics quantum of action quantum theory reasons refuted regarded relation Rosenfeld Schrödinger scientific Section situation statement statistical theoretical theory of relativity tion universal valid variables wave mechanics well-defined