From Paradox to Reality: Our Basic Concepts of the Physical World - Hardcover

Rohrlich, Fritz

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 052130749X ISBN 13: 9780521307499

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1987

Synopsis

This book discusses, in clear non technical language, the two major theories of twentieth-century physics: relativity and quantum mechanics. They are discussed conceptually and philosophically, rather than using mathematics, and the philosophical issues raised pertain to much of science, not only physics. The book is based on successful courses taught by the author, who shows how new discoveries forced physicists to accept often strange and unconventional notions. He aims to remove the mystery and misrepresentation that often surround the ideas of modern physics and to show how modern scientists construct theories. In this way, the reader can appreciate their successes and failures and understand problems which are as yet unsolved.

About this title

Review

'A clear and coherent account.' Nature

'An ideal book prize for a budding physics undergraduate.' School Science

Book Description

This book discusses, in clear non-technical language, the two major theories of twentieth-century physics: relativity and quantum mechanics. It is based on a course taught by the author, who aims to remove the mysteries that often surround the ideas of modern physics, and to show how modern scientists construct theories.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1987
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 052130749X
• ISBN 13: 9780521307499
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 238