Conceptual Evolution of Newtonian and Relativistic Mechanics

Conceptual Evolution of Newtonian and Relativistic Mechanics
Author: Amitabha Ghosh
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 134
Release: 2017-10-30
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9811062536

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This book provides an introduction to Newtonian and relativistic mechanics. Unlike other books on the topic, which generally take a 'top-down' approach, it follows a novel system to show how the concepts of the 'science of motion' evolved through a veritable jungle of intermediate ideas and concepts. Starting with Aristotelian philosophy, the text gradually unravels how the human mind slowly progressed towards the fundamental ideas of inertia physics. The concepts that now appear so obvious to even a high school student took great intellectuals more than a millennium to clarify. The book explores the evolution of these concepts through the history of science. After a comprehensive overview of the discovery of dynamics, it explores fundamental issues of the properties of space and time and their relation with the laws of motion. It also explores the concepts of spatio-temporal locality and fields, and offers a philosophical discussion of relative motion versus absolute motion, as well as the concept of an absolute space. Furthermore, it presents Galilean transformation and the principle of relativity, inadequacy of Galilean relativity and emergence of the spatial theory of relativity with an emphasis on physical understanding, as well as the debate over relative motion versus absolute motion and Mach's principle followed by the principle of equivalence. The natural follow-on to this section is the physical foundations of general theory of relativity. Lastly, the book ends with some new issues and possibilities regarding further modifications of the laws of motion leading to the solution of a number of fundamental issues closely connected with the characteristics of the cosmos. It is a valuable resource for undergraduate students of physics, engineering, mathematics, and related disciplines. It is also suitable for interdisciplinary coursework and introductory reading outside the classroom.

Relativity: The Theory and Its Philosophy

Relativity: The Theory and Its Philosophy
Author: Roger B. Angel
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 272
Release: 2014-05-20
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1483150038

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Relativity: The Theory and its Philosophy provides a completely self-contained treatment of the philosophical foundations of the theory of relativity. It also surveys the most essential mathematical techniques and concepts that are indispensable to an understanding of the foundations of both the special and general theories of relativity. In short, the book includes a crash course in applied mathematics, ranging from elementary trigonometry to the classical tensor calculus. Comprised of 11 chapters, this book begins with an introduction to fundamental mathematical concepts such as sets, relations, and functions; N-tuples, vectors, and matrices; and vector algebra and calculus. The discussion then turns to the concept of relativity and elementary foundations of Newtonian mechanics, as well as the principle of special relativity and its interpretation by means of empiricism and rationalism. Subsequent chapters focus on the status of the doctrine of conventionalism in the theory of special relativity; the commensurability of classical and relativistic mechanics; mathematical foundations of special relativistic physics; and the classical or Newtonian theory of gravitation. The principle of general covariance and its relation to the principle of general relativity are also examined. The final chapter addresses the fundamental question as to the actual information concerning the structure of spacetime that is conveyed to us through the theory of general relativity. This monograph will be of interest to students, teachers, practitioners, and researchers in physics, mathematics, and philosophy.

Physics of Data Science and Machine Learning

Physics of Data Science and Machine Learning
Author: Ijaz A. Rauf
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 210
Release: 2021-11-28
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 1000450414

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Physics of Data Science and Machine Learning links fundamental concepts of physics to data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence for physicists looking to integrate these techniques into their work. This book is written explicitly for physicists, marrying quantum and statistical mechanics with modern data mining, data science, and machine learning. It also explains how to integrate these techniques into the design of experiments, while exploring neural networks and machine learning, building on fundamental concepts of statistical and quantum mechanics. This book is a self-learning tool for physicists looking to learn how to utilize data science and machine learning in their research. It will also be of interest to computer scientists and applied mathematicians, alongside graduate students looking to understand the basic concepts and foundations of data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Although specifically written for physicists, it will also help provide non-physicists with an opportunity to understand the fundamental concepts from a physics perspective to aid in the development of new and innovative machine learning and artificial intelligence tools. Key Features: Introduces the design of experiments and digital twin concepts in simple lay terms for physicists to understand, adopt, and adapt. Free from endless derivations; instead, equations are presented and it is explained strategically why it is imperative to use them and how they will help in the task at hand. Illustrations and simple explanations help readers visualize and absorb the difficult-to-understand concepts. Ijaz A. Rauf is an adjunct professor at the School of Graduate Studies, York University, Toronto, Canada. He is also an associate researcher at Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada and president of the Eminent-Tech Corporation, Bradford, ON, Canada.

Atom and Individual in the Age of Newton

Atom and Individual in the Age of Newton
Author: G. Freudenthal
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 282
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9400945000

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In this stimulating investigation, Gideon Freudenthal has linked social history with the history of science by formulating an interesting proposal: that the supposed influence of social theory may be seen as actual through its co herence with the process of formation of physical concepts. The reinterpre tation of the development of science in the seventeenth century, now widely influential, receives at Freudenthal's hand its most persuasive statement, most significantly because of his attention to the theoretical form which is charac teristic. of classical Newtonian mechanics. He pursues the sources of the parallels that may be noted between that mechanics and the dominant philosophical systems and social theories of the time; and in a fascinating development Freudenthal shows how a quite precise method - as he descriptively labels it, the 'analytic-synthetic method' - which underlay the Newtonian form of theoretical argument, was due to certain interpretive premisses concerning particle mechanics. If he is right, these depend upon a particular stage of con ceptual achievement in the theories of both society and nature; further, that the conceptual was generalized philosophically; but, strikingly, Freudenthal shows that this concept-formation itself was linked to the specific social relations of the times of Newton and Hobbes.

The Conceptual Foundations of Contemporary Relativity Theory

The Conceptual Foundations of Contemporary Relativity Theory
Author: John Cowperthwaite Graves
Publisher: Cambridge, Mass : M.I.T. Press
Total Pages: 384
Release: 1971
Genre: Science
ISBN:

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The central conceptual idea of the contemporary theory of general relativity--or geometrodynamics--is the identification of matter with the structure of space-time. No entities foreign to space-time, like masses, charges, or independent fields are needed, and physics thus becomes identical with the geometry of space-time. This idea implies a philosophical description of the universe that is monistic and organic, characterized by an all-encompassing interdependence of events. Moreover, it is an idea with deep roots in the history of philosophy. For these reasons, the author of this important study strives to clarify these philosophical and historical issues before proceeding to the details of the physical theory of geometrodynamics.

New Foundations for Classical Mechanics

New Foundations for Classical Mechanics
Author: D. Hestenes
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 655
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9400948026

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This is a textbook on classical mechanics at the intermediate level, but its main purpose is to serve as an introduction to a new mathematical language for physics called geometric algebra. Mechanics is most commonly formulated today in terms of the vector algebra developed by the American physicist J. Willard Gibbs, but for some applications of mechanics the algebra of complex numbers is more efficient than vector algebra, while in other applica tions matrix algebra works better. Geometric algebra integrates all these algebraic systems into a coherent mathematical language which not only retains the advantages of each special algebra but possesses powerful new capabilities. This book covers the fairly standard material for a course on the mechanics of particles and rigid bodies. However, it will be seen that geometric algebra brings new insights into the treatment of nearly every topic and produces simplifications that move the subject quickly to advanced levels. That has made it possible in this book to carry the treatment of two major topics in mechanics well beyond the level of other textbooks. A few words are in order about the unique treatment of these two topics, namely, rotational dynamics and celestial mechanics.

The Evolution of Mechanics

The Evolution of Mechanics
Author: P.M.M. Duhem
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 246
Release: 1980-03-31
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9789028606883

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Understanding Space-Time

Understanding Space-Time
Author: Robert DiSalle
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 204
Release: 2006-04-27
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9781139452663

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Presenting the history of space-time physics, from Newton to Einstein, as a philosophical development DiSalle reflects our increasing understanding of the connections between ideas of space and time and our physical knowledge. He suggests that philosophy's greatest impact on physics has come about, less by the influence of philosophical hypotheses, than by the philosophical analysis of concepts of space, time and motion, and the roles they play in our assumptions about physical objects and physical measurements. This way of thinking leads to interpretations of the work of Newton and Einstein and the connections between them. It also offers ways of looking at old questions about a priori knowledge, the physical interpretation of mathematics, and the nature of conceptual change. Understanding Space-Time will interest readers in philosophy, history and philosophy of science, and physics, as well as readers interested in the relations between physics and philosophy.

A Theory of Wonder: Evolution, Brain and the Radical Nature of Science

A Theory of Wonder: Evolution, Brain and the Radical Nature of Science
Author: Gonzalo Munévar
Publisher: Vernon Press
Total Pages: 206
Release: 2021-09-07
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1648892825

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‘A Theory of Wonder’ aims to determine the best way science can satisfy our sense of wonder by exploring the world. Empiricism tells us that science succeeds because it follows the scientific method: Observation passes judgment on Theory – supporting or rejecting it. Much credit is given to the inventor of the method, Galileo, but when historically-minded philosophers of science like Kuhn and Feyerabend called our attention to what Galileo actually wrote and did, we were shocked to find out that Galileo instead drives a dagger through the heart of empiricism; he strikes down the distinction between theory and observation. Plain facts, like the vertical fall of a stone, ruled out the motion of the Earth. To conclude that the stone really falls vertically, however, we must assume that the Earth does not move. If it does move, then the stone only “seems” to fall vertically. Galileo then replaced the “facts” against the motion of the Earth with “facts” that included such motion. This process is typical during scientific revolutions. A good strategy for science is to elaborate radical alternatives; then, and on their basis, reconsider what counts as evidence. Feyerabend was called irrational for this suggestion; but looking at the practice of science from the perspective of evolution and neuroscience shows that the suggestion is very reasonable instead, and, moreover, explains why science works best as a radical form of knowledge. It also leads to a sensible biological form of relative truth, with preliminary drafts leading to exciting discussions with other researchers in the philosophy of science. This book will be of particular interest to university students, instructors and researchers in history or philosophy of science, as well as those with a general interest in the nature of science.

Newton’s Physics and the Conceptual Structure of the Scientific Revolution

Newton’s Physics and the Conceptual Structure of the Scientific Revolution
Author: Z. Bechler
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 605
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9401132763

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Three events, which happened all within the same week some ten years ago, set me on the track which the book describes. The first was a reading of Emile Meyerson works in the course of a prolonged research on Einstein's relativity theory, which sent me back to Meyerson's Ident ity and Reality, where I read and reread the striking chapter on "Ir rationality". In my earlier researches into the origins of French Conven tionalism I came to know similar views, all apparently deriving from Emile Boutroux's doctoral thesis of 1874 De fa contingence des lois de la nature and his notes of the 1892-3 course he taught at the Sorbonne De ['idee de fa loi naturelle dans la science et la philosophie contempo raines. But never before was the full effect of the argument so suddenly clear as when I read Meyerson. On the same week I read, by sheer accident, Ernest Moody's two parts paper in the JHIof 1951, "Galileo and Avempace". Put near Meyerson's thesis, what Moody argued was a striking confirmation: it was the sheer irrationality of the Platonic tradition, leading from A vem pace to Galileo, which was the working conceptual force behind the notion of a non-appearing nature, active all the time but always sub merged, as it is embodied in the concept of void and motion in it