The Ashgate Companion to Contemporary Philosophy of Physics

Introducing the reader to the very latest developments in the philosophical foundations of physics, this book covers advanced material at a level suitable for beginner and intermediate students. A detailed overview is provided of the central debates in the philosophy of quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, quantum computation, and quantum gravity. Each chapter consists of a 'state of the art' review written by a specialist in the field and introduces the reader to the relevant formal aspects along with the philosophical implications. These, and the various interpretive options, are developed in a self-contained, clear, and concise manner. Special care is given to situating the reader within the contemporary debates by providing numerous references and readings. This book thus enables both philosophers and physicists to engage with the most pressing problems in contemporary philosophy of physics in a fruitful way. Introducing The Reader To The Very Latest Developments In The Philosophical Foundations Of Physics, This Book Covers Advanced Material At A Level Suitable For Beginner And Intermediate Students. A Detailed Overview Is Provided Of The Central Debates In The Philosophy Of Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, Quantum Computation, And Quantum Gravity. Each Chapter Consists Of A 'state Of The Art' Review Written By A Specialist In The Field And Introduces The Reader To The Relevant Formal Aspects Along With The Philosophical Implications. These, And The Various Interpretive Options, Are Developed In A Self-contained, Clear, And Concise Manner. Special Care Is Given To Situating The Reader Within The Contemporary Debates By Providing Numerous References And Readings. This Book Will Thus Enable Both Philosophers And Physicists To Engage With The Most Pressing Problems In Contemporary Philosophy Of Physics In A Fruitful Way.--book Jacket. 1. Advancing The Philosophy Of Physics / Dean Rickles -- 2. Philosophy Of Quantum Mechanics / David Wallace -- 3. Field Guide To Recent Work On The Foundations Of Statistical Mechanics / Roman Frigg -- 4. Philosophical Aspects Of Quantum Information Theory / Chris Timpson -- 5. Quantum Gravity: A Primer For Philosophers / Dean Rickles. Edited By Dean Rickles. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 386-382) And Index. Contents Preface Acknowledgements 1 Advancing the Philosophy of Physics • Dean Rickles 2 Philosophy of Quantum Mechanics • David Wallace 3 A Field Guide to Recent Work on the Foundations of Statistical Mechanics • Roman Frigg 4 Philosophical Aspects of Quantum Information Theory • Chris Timpson 5 Quantum Gravity: A Primer for Philosophers • Dean Rickles Index