The easewith which physicists introduce andmake useof theconcept of physical time intheir theories, belies the number and the complexity ofthe problems to whichit givesrise. Indeed, Icannot but agreewith Prigogine that “the concept of ...
Author: P.A. Kroes
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9789400965225
Category: Science
Page: 227
View: 819
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This book on the structure and role of time in physical theories addresses itself to scientists and philosophers intereste:'i in the 'no man's lard' between science and philosophy, in particular between physics and philoso phy. The p:lint of departure is physical time, Le. time as usErl 1: physicists in their theories; but the analysis is not oonfined to a purely physical level but caries the problem into the domain of philosophical in quiry. Altoough the book presupp:lses some knowledge of physics, I have avoided, wherever p:lssible, the use of advanced mathematics and technical details. Of all the people woo have been of help in writing this book, I would first of all like to mention Paul Scheurer and Guy Debrock who were my primary mentors in science and philosophy. This sttrly is a revision of my dissertation [Kroes 1982a] which I wrote under the stimulating guidance of Scheurer; many of the ideas ex posed here have their origin in his work and were developErl in frequent discussions with him. Guy Debrock not only stimulated my interest in philosophy but also made valuable suggestions. Witoout any overstatement, I dare say that without their assistence, this book would never have been written. Furthernore, I would like to thank D. Dieks, J.J.C.