The constants of nature : a realist account
Author(s)
Bibliographic Information
The constants of nature : a realist account
（Avebury series in philosophy）
Ashgate, c1997
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Note
Includes bibliographical references (p. 206-213)
Description and Table of Contents
Description
The aim of this book is to provide a realist account of the constants in physics as an alternative to the prevailing conventionalist perspective of many philosophers. To do so the author first focuses on the discussion of the most primitive categories of physical constants which underlie modern science. Subsequently, the conventionalist case is examined in depth and, while held to be coherent, is shown to provide an incomplete account of how constants and related concepts of dimensions function in science. Having repudiated the conventionalist challenge, the positive case for a realist account is then considered and is found to be comfortably accommodated by modest realist accounts such as the natural ontological attitude (NOA).
Table of Contents
- Introduction and overview
- constants and measurements
- the taxonomy of constants
- constants conventionality and dimensions
- constants and reality
- constants and underdetermination
- constants and NOA.
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