Reality and the physicist : knowledge, duration, and the quantum world /

Espagnat, a theoretical physicist from the University of Paris, is well known for his works in the philosophy and conceptual foundations of physics. This volume (first published in French in 1985) is intended to portray an understanding of a concept of reality that focuses on our present state of knowledge. Consequently it is the microscopic world rather than the macroscopic which commands the author's attention. The first third of the book is devoted to discussions of instrumentalism and science, or the way in which the physicist sees the world. The second third is concerned with reality itself and discusses in depth the view that there is no difference between reality itself and the collection of phenomena. It is suggested that alternative views be investigated. The final third ties the previous material together and is concerned with causality, reality, and time. New horizons are explored in some detail. There are several appendixes devoted to special topics, copious chapter notes and references. The book is intended for professional philosophers of science, but, as Espagnat points out, it could be enjoyed by theoretical physicists who are knowledgeable in this field. Very few undergraduates have enough background to grasp this material. -H. E. Wylen, Washington and Jefferson College