My Account
Log in Registration
All
Cart
Highlights
Fiction Books
Non-Fiction Books
Children's Books
Rare Books
Music
DVD & Blu-Ray
Video Games
Category
Wishlists
Cart
All
Free Shipping in the UK
Trustpilot
Proud to be B-Corp

The Natural Philosophy of James Clerk Maxwell P. M. Harman (Lancaster University)

The Natural Philosophy of James Clerk Maxwell By P. M. Harman (Lancaster University)

The Natural Philosophy of James Clerk Maxwell by P. M. Harman (Lancaster University)

Reviews:
£38.29
Condition - New
Only 2 left
New

Summary

This scientific biography and introduction to James Clerk Maxwell's physics and philosophy amply shows how he made revolutionary advances in theoretical physics by combining a firm grasp of physical reality with great mathematical ability.

The Natural Philosophy of James Clerk Maxwell Summary

The Natural Philosophy of James Clerk Maxwell by P. M. Harman (Lancaster University)

This book provides an introductory yet comprehensive account of James Clerk Maxwell's (1831-79) physics and worldview. The argument is structured by a focus on the fundamental themes which shaped Maxwell's science: analogy and geometry, models and mechanical explanation, statistical representation and the limitations of dynamical reasoning, and the relation between physical theory and its mathematical description. This approach, which considers his physics as a whole, bridges the disjunction between Maxwell's greatest contributions: the concept of the electromagnetic field and the kinetic theory of gases. Maxwell's work and ideas are viewed historically in terms of his indebtedness to scientific and cultural traditions, of Edinburgh experimental physics, and of Cambridge mathematics and philosophy of science, which nurtured his career.

The Natural Philosophy of James Clerk Maxwell Reviews

'By stressing the deep traditionalism of Maxwell's enterprise, Harman makes him a participant in a philosophical conversation about matter, motion and mind, well-established by the time of Newton and continuing into this century.' Simon Schaffer, London Review of Books
'The sections on Maxwell's physics in this book are presented with admirable clarity, particularly the intricacies of how his theory of electromagnetism developed, which are usually difficult to follow. This presentation gives the general reader a clear overview of Maxwell's work, while the discussion of how Maxwell's physics developed with time provides a good insight into how philosophical ideas matured.' Elizabeth Garber, Physics World
'... not the least of his talents is his ability to present brief, informed, and intelligible, accounts of the results of such analysis and use them in his argumentation.' Ole Knudsen, Centaurus
'The book is wonderfully informative and insightful throughout; its merit lies as much in stimulating questions as in providing answers.' Daniel Siegal, American Scientist
''Natural Philosopher' probably captures as much of Maxwell as any single label can, and Harman is to be commended for bringing a measure of synthesis to our picture of one of the most important but elusive figures of Victorian science.' Bruce J. Hunt, Book Reviews - Isis, 91
'James Clerk Maxwell (1831-1879) belonged to the 'golden age' of classical physics and contributed to many of its great achievements ... In addition to the philosophical focus of the text, the book is full of interesting historical detail, and is very fully annotated; it would be enjoyed by anyone with a scholarly interest in the history of physics in the 'golden age'. C. W. P. Palmer, Contemporary Physics

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Introduction: Maxwell and the history of physics; 2. Formative influences; 3. Edinburgh physics and Cambridge mathematics; 4. Physical and geometrical analogy; 5. Models and mechanisms; 6. Dynamical and statistical explanation; 7. Geometry and physics; 8. Physical reality: ether and matter; 9. Physics and metaphysics.

Additional information

NLS9780521005852
9780521005852
052100585X
The Natural Philosophy of James Clerk Maxwell by P. M. Harman (Lancaster University)
P. M. Harman (Lancaster University)
New
Paperback
Cambridge University Press
2001-02-22
248
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a new book - be the first to read this copy. With untouched pages and a perfect binding, your brand new copy is ready to be opened for the first time

Customer Reviews - The Natural Philosophy of James Clerk Maxwell