Idealizations in Physics
Elay Shech
Abstract
This Element offers an opinionated and selective introduction to philosophical issues concerning idealizations in physics, including the concept of and reasons for introducing idealization, abstraction, and approximation, possible taxonomy and justification, and application to issues of mathematical Platonism, scientific realism, and scientific understanding.
Topics & Concepts
IdealizationPlatonismAbstractionEpistemologyClassical physicsScientific realismScientific reasoningRealismScientific theoryElement (criminal law)MetaphysicsComputer scienceTheoretical physicsManagement sciencePhilosophyPhysicsEngineeringClassical mechanicsQuantum mechanicsPolitical scienceQuantumLawQuantum Mechanics and ApplicationsPhilosophy and History of ScienceMathematical and Theoretical Analysis