UMI  
ProQuest® Dissertations & Theses
The world's most comprehensive collection of dissertations and theses. Learn more...
ProQuest  
 
 
Phenomenal surfaces and noumenal depths: Philosophy and quantum theory
by Nickard, Gary Laurence, PhD, STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO, 2006, 0 pages; 3226693
 

Abstract: Quantum theory as it stands today is perhaps the single most comprehensive, experimentally verified and successful theory in the entire history of science. Using a philosophical context, this synthesis challenges the impression shared by many physicists and laymen alike that in some way this theory is incomplete, philosophically flawed, or self-contradictory. In simple terms and with little scientific or philosophical jargon, this is an examination of some of the philosophical implications quantum theory. In particular, the Copenhagen interpretation of Bohr and Heisenberg is systematically explored revealing its neo-Kantian and anti-realist features. The unsung 'hero' of this tale, as recognized by Heisenberg is the German poet and naturalist Goethe whose heterodox Theory of Colors, dismissed by so many as an anti-science diatribe, actually presciently outlines a position similar to the indeterminacy principle. Goethe maintained that theories are not objective descriptions as such, but rather the points of view of the scientist framed within a particular context of knowledge. As Bohr said: 'Natural Science is not nature itself but part of a relation between man and nature, and therefore is dependant on man.' Finally the physical theories of de Broglie and Bohm are contextualized within the philosophical ideas of Bergson, Deleuze. Kant and Whitehead. In particular Whitehead's idea of the 'Melodic Metaphor' an embrace of the matter wave model is seen as a new 'Music of the Spheres.' Finally, the notion of aesthetic beauty in scientific theory is examined in some depth, revealing it to be an important criterion for judging the validity of theoretical constructs.

 
Advisor: Sussman, Henry
School: STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO
Source: DAI-A 67/07, p. 2568, Jan 2007
Source Type: PhD
Subjects: Comparative literature; Philosophy
Publication Number: 3226693
     
Adobe PDF Access the complete dissertation:
 

» Find an electronic copy at your library.
  Use the link below to access a full citation record of this graduate work:
  http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl%3furl_ver=Z39.88-2004%26res_dat=xri:pqdiss%26rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation%26rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:3226693
  If your library subscribes to the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database, you may be entitled to a free electronic version of this graduate work. If not, you will have the option to purchase one, and access a 24 page preview for free (if available).

 
 
 

About ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
With over 2.3 million records, the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database is the most comprehensive collection of dissertations and theses in the world. It is the database of record for graduate research.

The database includes citations of graduate works ranging from the first U.S. dissertation, accepted in 1861, to those accepted as recently as last semester. Of the 2.3 million graduate works included in the database, ProQuest offers more than 1.9 million in full text formats. Of those, over 860,000 are available in PDF format. More than 60,000 dissertations and theses are added to the database each year.

If you have questions, please feel free to visit the ProQuest Web site - http://www.il.proquest.com - or call ProQuest Hotline Customer Support at 1-800-521-3042.



Copyright © 2007 ProQuest. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions

ProQuest