Why More Is Different
Philosophical Issues in Condensed Matter Physics and Complex Systems
Buch in deiner Nähe kaufen
Beschreibung
The physics of condensed matter, in contrast to quantum physics or cosmology, is not traditionally associated with deep philosophical questions. However, as science - largely thanks to more powerful computers - becomes capable of analysing and modelling ever more complex many-body systems, basic questions of philosophical relevance arise. Questions about the emergence of structure, the nature of cooperative behaviour, the implications of the second law, the quantum-classical transition and many other issues. This book is a collection of essays by leading physicists and philosophers. Each investigates one or more of these issues, making use of examples from modern condensed matter research. Physicists and philosophers alike will find surprising and stimulating ideas in these pages.
The physics of condensed matter, in contrast to quantum physics or cosmology, is not traditionally associated with deep philosophical questions. However, as science - largely thanks to more powerful computers - becomes capable of analysing and modelling ever more complex many-body systems, basic questions of philosophical relevance arise. Questions about the emergence of structure, the nature of cooperative behaviour, the implications of the second law, the quantum-classical transition and many other issues. This book is a collection of essays by leading physicists and philosophers. Each investigates one or more of these issues, making use of examples from modern condensed matter research. Physicists and philosophers alike will find surprising and stimulating ideas in these pages.
A unique look at the surprisingly many philosophical questions pertinent to condensed matter physics Tackles the key issues of reduction, emergence and reversibility as they relate to various condensed matter phenomena Written by experts from both physics and philosophy Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras
Autor*in
Brigitte Falkenburg
Themen in »Why More Is Different«
Complexity in Condensed Matter Construction of Many Body Models Microreductionist Descriptions Multi-scale Models Ontological Aspects of Emergence Reality of Quasi-Particles Reduction and Emergence in Condensed Matter Scale Separation