Theoretical Physics and Philosophical Problems: Selected Writings

✍ Scribed by Ludwig Boltzmann (auth.), Brian McGuinness (eds.)

• Publisher: Springer Netherlands
• Year: 1974
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 287
• Series: Vienna Circle Collection 5
• Edition: 1
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

l. The work of Ludwig Boltzmann (1844-1906) consists of two kinds of writings: in the first part of his active life he devoted himself entirely to problems of physics, while in the second part he tried to find a philosoph­ 1 ical background for his activities in and around the natural sciences. Most scientists are much more aware of his creative work in physics than of his digressions on the meaning and structure of science. I think in the present case the reason is not so much that most scientists are usually almost entirely occupied with their trade, because Boltzmann's philosophical work is also concerned with the (natural) sciences. I rather believe that the quality and consistency of Boltzmann's purely scientific work is of a more appealing nature than his less structured considerations on human activity in science and in life in general. 2. I think that it may be appropriate for the readers of this anthology to say a few words on the main findings of Boltzmann in physics, since in the end their 'philosophical' inlpact has been larger than the effect of his later writings. Moreover some knowledge of his scientific achievements can be helpful for the understanding and appreciation of the essays printed in this book, which almost all stem from Boltzmann's philosophical period. Boltzmann was one of the main protagonists - at least in continental Europe - of atomistics for explaining the phenomena of physics.

✦ Table of Contents

Front Matter....Pages I-XVI
Front Matter....Pages 1-3
On the Methods of Theoretical Physics....Pages 5-12
The Second Law of Thermodynamics....Pages 13-32
On the Significance of Theories....Pages 33-36
On Energetics....Pages 37-40
On the Indispensability of Atomism in Natural Science....Pages 41-53
More on Atomism....Pages 54-56
On the Question of the Objective Existence of Processes in Inanimate Nature....Pages 57-76
On the Development of the Methods of Theoretical Physics in Recent Times....Pages 77-100
On the Fundamental Principles and Equations of Mechanics....Pages 101-128
On the Principles of Mechanics....Pages 129-152
An Inaugural Lecture on Natural Philosophy....Pages 153-158
On Statistical Mechanics....Pages 159-172
Reply to a Lecture on Happiness Given by Professor Ostwald....Pages 173-184
On a Thesis of Schopenhauer’s....Pages 185-198
Front Matter....Pages 199-199
On Certain Questions of the Theory of Gases....Pages 201-209
Front Matter....Pages 211-211
Model....Pages 213-220
Front Matter....Pages 221-221
Lectures on the Principles of Mechanics....Pages 223-254
Preface to Part II....Pages 255-265
Back Matter....Pages 267-280

✦ Subjects

Philosophy of Science;History;History and Philosophical Foundations of Physics