The Logical Structure of Mathematical Physics (Synthese Library)

Joseph D. Sneed

ISBN 10: 9027710562 / ISBN 13: 9789027710567

Published by D. Reidel, Dordrecht, 1979

About this Item

Excellent copy. Presents as unread, very tight and square. Crisp cloth covered boards. Inspection reveals a previous owners name in tiny writing on front free end paper. The DJ has a little rubbing to the top, evidence of a removed sticker, and a little sunning to spine, but still presents well and is now in a protective sleeve (see pictures). All our books at the moment are reduced so the price you see reflects a 33% discount. You may be interested in The Literaticus Book Service. We specialise in tracking down those harder to find editions, among other bookish services such as gift fulfilment. Get in touch to send us your Book Wants or ask a bookish question. If this is intended as a gift, please email first and I can gift wrap for no extra charge. If you would like special delivery but don't see an option for it, just email first and I'll obtain a quote. If you have any questions, require more information or if you would like more pictures, do not hesitate to get in touch. 2024.

Seller Inventory # 003443

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Logical Structure of Mathematical Physics (Synthese Library)
• Publisher: D. Reidel, Dordrecht
• Publication Date: 1979
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 9027710562
• ISBN 13: 9789027710567
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 2nd Edition
• Condition: Near Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good

About this title

Synopsis

This book is about scientific theories of a particular kind - theories of mathematical physics. Examples of such theories are classical and relativis­ tic particle mechanics, classical electrodynamics, classical thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, hydrodynamics, and quantum mechanics. Roughly, these are theories in which a certain mathematical structure is employed to make statements about some fragment of the world. Most of the book is simply an elaboration of this rough characterization of theories of mathematical physics. It is argued that each theory of mathematical physics has associated with it a certain characteristic mathematical struc­ ture. This structure may be used in a variety of ways to make empirical claims about putative applications of the theory. Typically - though not necessarily - the way this structure is used in making such claims requires that certain elements in the structure play essentially different roles. Some playa "theoretical" role; others playa "non-theoretical" role. For example, in classical particle mechanics, mass and force playa theoretical role while position plays a non-theoretical role. Some attention is given to showing how this distinction can be drawn and describing precisely the way in which the theoretical and non-theoretical elements function in the claims of the theory. An attempt is made to say, rather precisely, what a theory of mathematical physics is and how you tell one such theory from anothe- what the identity conditions for these theories are.