Conceptual Developments of 20th Century Field Theories
Editorial Reviews
Review
'Tian Yu Cao's timely book provides a broad overview of twentieth-century field theories ... it is an up-to-date, well informed and detailed historical account.' Ian Aitchison, Nature
'... a study of exceptional interest to both physicians and historians alike ... All in all this is a spellbinding book, with a wealth of information. As Gordon Fraser, editor of the CERN Courier, told me: 'This book is not leaving my office!'.' Martinus Veltman, Physics World
'... the book [is] a deep and masterly overview of the conceptual foundations of field theories. Although perhaps addressed primarily to physicists and philosphers of physics, this work will also be a rich resource for the historian of modern scientific ideas.' Helge Kragh, Isis
Book Description
This volume provides a broad synthesis of conceptual developments of twentieth century field theories, from the general theory of relativity to quantum field theory and gauge theory. The book traces the foundations and evolution of these theories within a historio-critical context. Theoretical physicists and students of theoretical physics will find this a valuable account of the foundational problems of their discipline that will help them understand the internal logic and dynamics of theoretical physics. It will also provide professional historians and philosophers of science, particularly philosophers of physics, with a conceptual basis for further historical, cultural and sociological analysis of the theories discussed. Finally, the scientifically qualified general reader will find in this book a deeper analysis of contemporary conceptions of the physical world than can be found in popular accounts of the subject.
Conceptual Developments of 20th Century Field Theories,Tian Yu Cao,Cambridge University Press,0521634202,Physics,Science,Science/Mathematics,Fields & rings,Relativistic quantum mechanics & quantum field theory,Science / Mathematical Physics,Unified field theories
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