The observational foundations of physics / Sir Alan Cook.

Table of Content

1. Introduction
1.1 The questions
1.2 The nature of observation and of theory
1.3 The measurement and standard
1.4 The standard of frequency and standards derived from it
1.5 Theory in an uncertain world
Etc.

2. Standards of time and equations of motion
2.1 Introduction - a question of tautology
2.2 An operational analysis
2.3 Classical standards of time and questions of motion
2.4 Defining constants of physics

3. Observations at a distance: Special relativity
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Geometrical observations at a distance
3.3 4-Vectors as representing physical observations
3.4 Electromagnetism
3.5 General relativity

4. Microphysics: Relativistic quantum mechanics
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Quantum mechanics in the geometry of special relativity
4.3 From observation to theory

5. Indeterminacy in theory and observation
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Chaos
5.3 Observables and predictions of chaotic dynamics
5.4 Systems of many bodies
5.5 Nearly soluable problems of many bodies
Etc.

6.Why does mathematical physics work?
6.1 Introduction: the problem
6.2 Abstract groups and concrete realisations
6.3 Physical representations of group
6.4 Symmetry: metrology
6.5 Continuous groups: metrology
Etc.

7. Probable argument
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Basis of probable argument
7.3 Mathematics probability
7. Scientific inference
7.Sources of uncertainty

8. Conclusion
8.1 Introduction : the content of observation
8.2 Measurement, observation and theory
8.3 The indefiniteness of nature
8.4 The coherence of nature

I. M

Includes Index p. 160 - 164

Includes bibliographical references (p. 156-159) and index.