Review by Choice Review
This is a new look at the philosophy of science, especially of physical science and, in this reviewer's opinion, one of the few that will be of interest to scientists. To see what the philosophical problems of science really are one must start with science and not with vague and marginally relevant constructs such as operationalism, verification, falsification, and the like. After some condescending and superficial remarks about "the Greeks" and "the Medievals," Barrow focuses on problems arising out of his own experience in general relativity and quantum cosmology. He discusses the nature and value of mathematical representations and the criteria for creating and evaluating the kind of theories that exist now (and that will exist increasingly in the future) for which observation and experiment do not suffice. His focus is on the idea of natural law: what is it, where does it come from, does it really exist, what are its limitations, and to what extent can it be abstracted from the participation of conscious observers. This stimulating (though occasionally careless) book would serve as an excellent source for students (and teachers) who already know some physics. -D. Park, Williams College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Booklist Review
This delightful blend of philosophy and science poses questions such as, Are natural laws real or are they simply explanations for events that have taken place? Barrow makes a point of showing that there is some ambiguity between experimentation and theory, since theories often spawn experimentation rather than the other way around. Aside from thought-provoking philosophy, the author discusses science through the ages, with correlations drawn between similar ideas in different ages. For example, Newton's gravitation experiments are paralleled to some of Einstein's work. The quantum theory is hailed as possibly the leading scientific principle to be discovered, after which the author presents a fascinating study of its ramifications on both the subatomic particle level and on the universe in general. Other areas of physics, e.g., the Doppler effect, red shifts, and thermodynamics, are all explained with simple examples. Bibliography; to be indexed. GRH. 500.2'01 Physics-Popular works / Science-Popular works / Science-Philosophy-Popular works / Cosmology-Popular works [CIP] 87-31539
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
Review by Booklist Review
