Philosophy of physics
Philosophy of physics is the study of the fundamental, philosophical questions underlying modern physics. Perhaps the main questions concern the nature of space and time, atoms and atomism, cosmology, the interpretation of the results of quantum mechanics, the foundations of statistical mechanics, determinism, and the nature of physical laws. Classically, several of the questions of this area were studied as part of metaphysics (for example, those about determinism and space and time). Today, philosophy of physics is very close to philosophy of science.
Albert Einstein was a fine philosopher of physics, and the following two quotes explain a few of the more important reasons why this subject knowledge is important.
"I fully agree with you about the significance and educational value of methodology as well as history and philosophy of science. So many people today - and even professional scientists - seem to me like somebody who has seen thousands of trees but has never seen a forest. A knowledge of the historic and philosophical background gives that kind of independence from prejudices of his generation from which most scientists are suffering. This independence created by philosophical insight is - in my opinion - the mark of distinction between a mere artisan or specialist and a real seeker after truth." - Albert Einstein to Ernst Mach
Subjects in the philosophy of physics:
External Links:
