Laws and Symmetry (Clarendon Paperbacks)

Van Fraassen, Bas C.

ISBN 10: 0198248601 / ISBN 13: 9780198248606

Published by Clarendon Press, 1990

A former library book with all the expected stamps, stickers and markings. Some shelf, storage or usage wear present. The binding is tight and all pages are present. The pages appear unmarked. Pictures available upon request. Individually inspected by Shay. Thanks for supporting an independent bookseller! Seller Inventory # FBV.0198248601.G

Synopsis:

Metaphysicians speak of laws of nature in terms of necessity and universality; scientists, in terms of symmetry and invariance. In this book van Fraassen argues that no metaphysical account of laws can succeed. He analyzes and rejects the arguments that there are laws of nature, or that we must believe there are, and argues that we should disregard the idea of law as an adequate clue to science. After exploring what this means for general epistemology, the author develops the empiricist view of science as a construction of models to represent the phenomena.

Review: `innovative if not provocativePhilosophical Quarterly of Israel, Vol 22, No 3-5 Dec 93

`a marvelously clear and incisive exposition of the problems facing definitions of laws of natureThe Philosophical Review, Vol 102, No 3 (July 1993)

`the real excitement and power of the book comes from the new perspective it brings.' Times Higher Education Supplement

`I wholeheartedly recommend this book. There are many things to be learnt from it, not least its incisive criticisms of "more metaphysical" theories of laws. The work is executed with great erudition and panache.'Peter Menzies, Australian National University

Bibliographic Details

Title: Laws and Symmetry (Clarendon Paperbacks)
Publisher: Clarendon Press
Publication Date: 1990
Binding: Soft cover
Condition: good