Revisiting the Foundations of Relativistic Physics

This book is for physicists, historians and philosophers of physics as well as students seeking an introduction to ongoing debates in relativistic and quantum physics. This title is unique in that:

• it comprises contributions by leading physicists, philosophers and historians of science;
• it covers the recent debates on the emergence of relativity and quantum theory;
• it includes chapters with an introductory character, comprehensible to students and science teachers;
• it can be used in graduate level courses in the history and philosophy of science;

• it strengthens the bonds between the communities of scientists, historians, and philosophers.

  Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

  Autorentext
  Professor Jürgen Renn is director at the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science in Berlin. His research focuses primarily on the emergence of mechanics in antiquity, the interaction between practical and theoretical knowledge since the Renaissance, the transition from classical to modern physics, the development of the theory of relativity, and the application of new media to the history of science. Professor Renn was coordinator of the exhibition 'Albert Einstein - Chief Engineer of the Universe' 2005 in Berlin. Sahotra Sarkar is Professor of Integrative Biology and of Philosophy at the University of Texas at Austin. He is author of Genetics and Reductionism and editor.

  Inhalt
  From the Contents:
  Autobiographical Reflections.- Introduction.- I: Historical and Philosophical Roots of Relativity.- II: Foundational Issues in Relativity and their Advancement.- III: Foundational Issues in Quantum Physics and their Advancement.- IV: Science, History and the Challenges of Progress.- Appendix.