Concepts of Mass in Contemporary Physics and Philosophy - Softcover

Jammer, Max

Softcover

ISBN 10: 069114432X ISBN 13: 9780691144320

Publisher: Princeton University Press, 2009

Synopsis

Concepts of Mass in Contemporary Physics and Philosophy Presents an analysis of the persistent difficulties of defining inertial mass in a noncircular manner. This book discusses the related question of whether mass is an observational or a theoretical concept. It also studies the notion of mass in special relativity. Full description

About this title

Review:

"Concepts of Mass in Contemporary Physics and Philosophy addresses an important issue, covering a large swathe of territory and presenting technical results in clear and accessible way. There is no comparable study of mass in the field, and the need for a synoptic review is obvious. Philosophers and historians of science, who often lack the technical expertise to evaluate the work of physicists, will find the book very useful. Physicists, too, will value the book, particularly because it brings together results that are widely dispersed in the literature."--Tim Maudlin, Rutgers University

"Professor Max Jammer's book is a significant and important contribution to the conceptual foundations of physics, especially in the manner in which it explores how the concept of mass occurs in the context of gravitational and space-time theories."--Ronald Anderson, Boston College

"The book reads likes an engaging, well-planned lecture, with many a historical aside and opinionated excursion."--Publishers Weekly

"A valuable and badly needed account that manages to be undogmatic, comprehensive and accessible. . . . I can strongly recommend this beautifully written and accessible book."---Andrew Pinsent, Physics World

"An interesting and stimulating mix of physics and philosophical issues. . .Jammer has produced a fascinating look into the nature of a quantity that most of us take for granted . . . and its also fun to read."---Barry R. Holstein, American Scientist

"[Jammer's] contributions to the conceptual foundations of physics have been, and continue to be, both fruitful and enlightening."---Jonathan Bain, Physics Today

About the Author:

Max Jammer, born in Berlin, Germany, is Research Professor of Physics at Bar-Ilan University, where he was formerly President and Rector. His books, translated into many languages, include "Concepts of Space" (with a foreword by Albert Einstein), "The Conceptual Development of Quantum Mechanics, The Philosophy of Quantum Mechanics" and, most recently, "Einstein and Religion" (Princeton). Among the awards he has received are the Israel Prize and the Monograph Prize of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

About this edition

• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 069114432X
• ISBN 13: 9780691144320
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 194