Physics as a Way of Thinking (1936) [pdf]

https://kb.osu.edu/dspace/bitstream/handle/1811/72567/OSLJ_V2N3_0241.pdf

by 7alman • 9 years ago

181 12 9 years ago

kb.osu.edu

dest2• 9 years ago

a tldr would be welcome

f00_• 9 years ago

c+p of 252-253:

"The world of physics is then," as Planck says, "a deliberate hypothesis put forth by a finite mind in an attempt to reduce the facts of observation to a system based on certain physical principles such that known phenomena are necessary consequences of the system."

The basic principles are chosen on experimental grounds. Whether they are true or false in the absolute sense is not a pertinent question. Their consequences must agree with nature. They are working hypotheses which are to be discarded whenever they cease to be effective or helpful.

Progress means bringing new sets of observations with the system in a way to give a complete mathematical description of physical phenomena in terms of the fewest principles or entities, that is to find in a variety of physical phenomena essential relations from which future phenomena can be predicted.

Physics is thus a result of our quest for order and harmony among physical phenomena. It is man's best attempt to think vigorously whatever permits of vigorous thinking. It is not fixed but is subject to change and evolution. Whatever comes out must go back to enrich the soil from which it came

I think it's worth the full read, 20 pages of pretty good physics history

dest2• 9 years ago

Thank you.

killjoywashere• 9 years ago

Professor Smith was, at the time of the publication of this essay (in the Ohio State University's law journal), midway through a 20-year span as chairman of the Ohio State physics department.

He basically works his way through history to demonstrate the development of the modern experimental method and extrapolates that society would be best served by extending the scientific method to many more aspects of society (social and cultural issues, etc).

neutralid4• 9 years ago

Prof. Smith describes how social sciences could benefit from the modern, coordinate-free approach in physics. He also wishes for a tighter coupling in social sciences as we've seen historically with physics (theory) and engineering (practice).

Interesting article.

theoh3• 9 years ago

I only skimmed the article but I didn't see the word "coordinate" mentioned.

When you say "coordinate-free" do you mean "independent of any fixed frame of reference"?

Because AIUI coordinate-free actually means something else, it's really just a mathematical detail: the choice to work with vectors as first-class objects rather than arrays of coordinates. It's a question of elegance rather that meaning.

Given the date of this article, the history of the Technocracy movement may be relevant to those who find these ideas appealing.

neutralid4• 9 years ago

When you say "coordinate-free" do you mean "independent of any fixed frame of reference"?

Yes. Einstein's field equation can be derived using differential geometry, e.g. a coordinate-free approach. Prof. Smith discusses the evolution from egocentric (early Greek) to absolute fixed-frame (Newtonian) to coordinate-free (relativistic).

thanatropism• 9 years ago

Nope, not that.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manifold

The mature formulation of classical (pre-relativistic) physics circa Hamilton and Poincaré was already coordinate-free in this sense.

Physics as a Way of Thinking (1936) [pdf]

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