Idealizations in Physics

This Element explores questions concerning idealizations in physics and discusses their implications.

Elay Shech (Author)

9781108925044, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 26 January 2023

92 pages
23 x 15.4 x 0.5 cm, 0.15 kg

'Idealizations in Physics is a highly recommendable work for any reader who wishes to approach the subject of idealizations in physics without renouncing either the technical precision of physical practices or the conceptual depth of the main lines of philosophical refection on the subject.' Javier Anta, Metascience

This Element offers an opinionated and selective introduction to philosophical issues concerning idealizations in physics, including the concept of and reasons for introducing idealization, abstraction, and approximation, possible taxonomy and justification, and application to issues of mathematical Platonism, scientific realism, and scientific understanding.

1. Introduction
2. Idealization, abstraction, and approximation
3. Taxonomies
4. Justification
5. Platonism
6. Realism
7. Understanding
8. Epilogue
References.

Subject Areas: Classical mechanics [PHD], Physics [PH], Philosophy of science [PDA]