Unifying Scientific Theories: Physical Concepts and Mathematical Structures

Morrison, Margaret

ISBN 10: 0521652162 / ISBN 13: 9780521652162

Published by Spain: Cambridge Univ Pr, 2000

About this Item

hardback book and dust jacket in near fine condition.

Seller Inventory # 127499

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Unifying Scientific Theories: Physical Concepts and Mathematical Structures
• Publisher: Spain: Cambridge Univ Pr
• Publication Date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521652162
• ISBN 13: 9780521652162
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine
• Seller catalogs:
  • technical
  • mathematics
  • Science

About this title

Synopsis

This book is about the methods used for unifying different scientific theories under one all-embracing theory. The process has characterized much of the history of science and is prominent in contemporary physics; the search for a "theory of everything" involves the same attempt at unification. Margaret Morrison argues that, contrary to popular philosophical views, unification and explanation often have little to do with each other. The mechanisms that facilitate unification are not those that enable us to explain how or why phenomena behave as they do. The book emphasizes the importance of mathematical structures in unification, and claims that despite this common feature theory unification is a multi-faceted process for which no general account can be offered.

Review

"Unifying Scientific Theories offers an exemplar of the historical and philosophical breadth that are important and badly needed in philosophical attempts to understand the many faces of unity in science." Andrew Wayne, Canadian Journal of Philosophy

"I expect this book to have a truly significant impact on today's philosophy of science. My reasons are three: it is solidly grounded in the history of science, it addresses biology as well as the physical sciences, and it represents a tremendous challenge to much contemporary thinking about scientific explanation." Bas van Fraassen, author of The Scientific Image

"a sustained, informative, and thought-provoking"