What is Fundamental?

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Synopsis

Are there truly fundamental entities in nature? Or are the things that we regard as fundamental in our theories – for example space, time or the masses of elementary particles – merely awaiting a derivation from a new, yet to be discovered theory based on elements that are more fundamental? This was the central question posed in the 2018 FQXi essay competition, which drew more than 200 entries from professional physicists, philosophers, and other scholars. This volume presents enhanced versions of the fifteen award-winning essays, giving a spectrum of views and insights on this fascinating topic. From a prescription for “when to stop digging” to the case for strong emergence, the reader will find here a plethora of stimulating and challenging ideas - presented in a largely non-technical manner - on which to sharpen their understanding of the language of physics and even the nature of reality.

Book details

Edition:
1st ed. 2019
Series:
The Frontiers Collection
Author:
Anthony Aguirre, Brendan Foster, Zeeya Merali
ISBN:
9783030113018
Related ISBNs:
9783030113001
Publisher:
Springer International Publishing
Pages:
N/A
Reading age:
Not specified
Includes images:
Yes
Date of addition:
2019-03-31
Usage restrictions:
Copyright
Copyright date:
2019
Copyright by:
Springer Nature Switzerland AG 
Adult content:
No
Language:
English
Categories:
Mathematics and Statistics, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Science