Has Anyone Tackled On Physics and Philosophy by Bernard d'Espagnat?

In summary, the conversation is about the book "On Physics and Philosophy" by Bernard d'Espagnat. The person asking has just started reading it and is wondering if there are any other books they should read before diving into it, especially since they haven't taken a course on quantum yet. The discussion also touches on the topic of translations and the potential issues they may have in conveying the same level of understanding as the original text. The person who started the conversation mentions that the book is in English and was published in 2006, but they are unsure of who translated it. They also note that the author wrote the preface to the English edition, which may suggest that he was involved in the translation process. The conversation ends with
  • #1
math_owen
80
0
Has anyone read "On Physics and Philosophy" by Bernard d'Espagnat? If so are there any suggestions for books to be read prior to it?

I started it last night, and so far (5 pages) it seems within my grasp. I have a feeling because I haven't taken quantum yet though that lack of knowledge is going to get in my way eventually.
 
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  • #2
are you reading it in french or is it translated? cause In my experience unless the book is really old and thus really well understood, translations suck. With or without the author's participation. They just can't be understood on the same level.
 
  • #3
It's in English. It's a new book, 2006. I can not find who translated the book. But the preface to the English edition was written by him and he said he had to only make a few changes to the book so that it was coherent in English. This gives me the impression he either was the translator or worked with the translator.

Have you read it?
 

Related to Has Anyone Tackled On Physics and Philosophy by Bernard d'Espagnat?

1. What is the relationship between physics and philosophy?

The relationship between physics and philosophy is complex and has been debated for centuries. Some argue that physics and philosophy are two separate disciplines, with physics focusing on the study of the natural world through empirical observation and experimentation, while philosophy explores fundamental questions about reality, existence, and knowledge. Others argue that physics and philosophy are deeply interconnected, with philosophical concepts and principles influencing the development of physics theories and vice versa.

2. How does philosophy inform our understanding of physics?

Philosophy plays a crucial role in the development and interpretation of physics theories. For example, philosophical concepts such as causation, time, and space have been used to explain and understand physical phenomena. Additionally, philosophical debates about the nature of reality and the limitations of human knowledge have led to new theories and perspectives in physics.

3. Is physics a purely objective science?

While physics strives to be an objective science, it is not free from subjective interpretations and biases. The act of observation itself can influence the outcome of an experiment, and the interpretation of data can be influenced by personal beliefs and perspectives. However, the scientific method and peer review processes help to minimize these subjective influences and ensure that theories are based on empirical evidence.

4. How do philosophical debates impact the development of physics?

Philosophical debates about the nature of reality, causation, and other fundamental concepts have been a driving force in the development of new physics theories. For example, the debate between Newtonian and Einsteinian views of space and time led to the development of the theory of relativity. Similarly, philosophical discussions about the nature of particles and fields have influenced the development of quantum mechanics.

5. Can physics answer philosophical questions?

While physics can provide insights into philosophical questions, it cannot fully answer them. Physics is limited to the study of the natural world and cannot provide definitive answers to questions about morality, consciousness, and meaning. However, the intersection of physics and philosophy allows for a deeper understanding of the nature of reality and our place in the universe.

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