Philosophy, Mathematics and Modern Physics: A Dialogue

In recent times a new dialogue has begun between the natural sciences and the humanities. This is particularly true of physics and philosophy, whose sphere of mutual interest expanded significantly with the advent of quantum mechanics. Among other topics, the discussion covers the evolution of theories, the role of mathematics in the physical sciences, the perception and cognition of nature and definitions of space and time. In contrast to the custom of the last two centuries, mathematics - the language of physics - is once again finding a respected place in the discourse of philosophers. The interdisciplinary communication between philosophers, mathematicians and physicists will be given new impetus by the thoughtful and wide-ranging contributions to this book.

This is a unique collection of essays by physicists, mathematicians and philosophers including Roger Penrose, Euan Squires and Erhard Scheibe.

From the contents: - Roger Penrose on the question "Is concious Awareness Consistent with Space - Time Descriptions?" - Euan Squires' discussion of "Quantum Theory - Window to the World Beyond Physics". - Klaus Fredenhagen "On the Mathematical Frame of Quantum Field Theories". - Erhard Scheibe's essay on "The Mathematical Overdetermination of Physics".