Description
Book SynopsisBewildering features of modern physics, such as relativistic space-time structure and the peculiarities of so-called quantum statistics, challenge traditional ways of conceiving of objects in space and time. This title provides an overview of the implications of such physical theories for questions about the nature of objects.
Trade Review"The collection as a whole, as well as the introduction by the editor, forcefully make the case that there is a wide range of interesting and unique issues raised by contemporary physical theories for the traditional problems associated with the nature of physical objects."
—Ronald Anderson, Boston CollegeTable of ContentsPrefaceAcknowledgmentsIntroduction3Pt. 1Objects and Individuality1A World of Individual Objects?212Many, but Almost One303Part and Whole in Quantum Mechanics464The Genidentity of Quantum Particles615The Problem of Indistinguishable Particles736On the Withering Away of Physical Objects937Quantum Mechanics and Haecceities1148Quasiset Theories for Microobjects: A Comparison142Pt. 2Objects and Invariance9Physical Reality15510The Constitution of Objects in Kant's Philosophy and in Modern Physics16811Galilean Particles: An Example of Constitution of Objects181Pt. 3Objects and Measurement12What Is an Elementary Particle?19713The Nature of Elementary Particles21114The Entity and Modern Physics: The Creation-Discovery View of Reality22315Dynamical Reduction Theories as a Natural Basis for a Realistic Worldview25816Microphysical Objects and Experimental Evidence297Bibliography317
