Background
Sklar was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1938 and educated at Oberlin College (Bachelor, 1954-1958) and Princeton University (Master of Arts, Doctor of Philosophy, 1959–1964).
(Although now replaced by more modern theories, classical ...)
Although now replaced by more modern theories, classical mechanics remains a core foundational element of physical theory. From its inception, the theory of dynamics has been riddled with conceptual issues and differing philosophical interpretations and throughout its long historical development, it has shown subtle conceptual refinement. The interpretive program for the theory has also shown deep evolutionary change over time. Lawrence Sklar discusses crucial issues in the central theory from which contemporary foundational theories are derived and shows how some core issues (the nature of force, the place of absolute reference frames) have nevertheless remained deep puzzles despite the increasingly sophisticated understanding of the theory which has been acquired over time. His book will be of great interest to philosophers of science, philosophers in general and physicists concerned with foundational interpretive issues in their field.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0521716306/?tag=2022091-20
(Statistical mechanics is one of the crucial fundamental t...)
Statistical mechanics is one of the crucial fundamental theories of physics, and in his new book Lawrence Sklar, one of the pre-eminent philosophers of physics, offers a comprehensive, non-technical introduction to that theory and to attempts to understand its foundational elements. Among the topics treated in detail are: probability and statistical explanation, the basic issues in both equilibrium and non-equilibrium statistical mechanics, the role of cosmology, the reduction of thermodynamics to statistical mechanics, and the alleged foundation of the very notion of time asymmetry in the entropic asymmetry of systems in time. The book emphasises the interaction of scientific and philosophical modes of reasoning, and in this way will interest all philosophers of science as well as those in physics and chemistry concerned with philosophical questions. The book could also be read by an informed general reader interested in the foundations of modern science.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0521558816/?tag=2022091-20
( The study of the physical world had its origins in phil...)
The study of the physical world had its origins in philosophy, and, two-and-one-half millennia later, the scientific advances of the twentieth century are bringing the two fields closer together again. So argues Lawrence Sklar in this brilliant new text on the philosophy of physics.Aimed at students of both disciplines, Philosophy of Physics is a broad overview of the problems of contemporary philosophy of physics that readers of all levels of sophistication should find accessible and engaging. Professor Sklar's talent for clarity and accuracy is on display throughout as he guides students through the key problems: the nature of space and time, the problems of probability and irreversibility in statistical mechanics, and, of course, the many notorious problems raised by quantum mechanics.Integrated by the theme of the interconnectedness of philosophy and science, and linked by many references to the history of both disciplines, Philosophy of Physics is always clear, while remaining faithful to the complexity and integrity of the issues. It will take its place as a classic text in a field of fundamental intellectual importance.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0813306256/?tag=2022091-20
(Skeptics have cast doubt on the idea that scientific theo...)
Skeptics have cast doubt on the idea that scientific theories give us a true picture of an objective world. Lawrence Sklar examines three kinds of skeptical arguments about scientific truth, and explores the important role they play within foundational science itself. Sklar demonstrates that these kinds of philosophical critique are employed within science, and reveals the clear difference between how they operate in a scientific context and more abstract philosophical contexts. The underlying theme of Theory and Truth is that science and philosophy are essential to one another. Sklar advances the claim that one cannot understand the methods of science without a comprehension of philosophy, and one cannot fruitfully pursue philosophy of science without understanding fundamental science as well.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0198238495/?tag=2022091-20
philosopher university professor
Sklar was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1938 and educated at Oberlin College (Bachelor, 1954-1958) and Princeton University (Master of Arts, Doctor of Philosophy, 1959–1964).
Sklar was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1938 and educated at Oberlin College (Bachelor, 1954-1958) and Princeton University (Master of Arts, Doctor of Philosophy, 1959–1964).
He is the Carl G. Hempel and William K. Frankena Distinguished University Professor at the University of Michigan. He worked at Swarthmore College from 1962 to 1966, first as an instructor and then as an assistant professor He then worked at Princeton University until 1968.
Since 1968, he has been at The University of Michigan, where he is now a Distinguished University Professor.
He has held visiting professorships at The University of Illinois (1963), The University of Pennsylvania (1968), Harvard University (1970), University of California, Los Angeles (1973) and Wayne State University (1977). He specializes in the Philosophy of physics, approaching a wide range of issues from a position best described as highly skeptical of many of the metaphysical conclusions commonly drawn in the physical sciences.
He advocates the "Multiple-input and multiple-output" (metaphysics in, metaphysics out) principle, claiming that much of the metaphysical content of interpreted theories in the special sciences arises from metaphysical assumptions made during their formulation.
(Statistical mechanics is one of the crucial fundamental t...)
( The study of the physical world had its origins in phil...)
(Although now replaced by more modern theories, classical ...)
(Skeptics have cast doubt on the idea that scientific theo...)
American Academy of Arts and Sciences.