A Physicist's Guide to Skepticism by Milton A. Rothman {BinanGotit}seeders: 0
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A Physicist's Guide to Skepticism by Milton A. Rothman {BinanGotit} (Size: 4.17 MB)
DescriptionA Physicist's Guide to Skepticism: Applying Laws of Physics to Faster-Than-Light Travel, Psychic Phenomena, Telepathy, Time Travel, UFOs, and Other Pseudoscientific Claims Complete Numbers Starting with 1, 1st Ed Edition by Milton A. Rothman (Author)  {BinanGotit} Format: epub / mobi / pdf Product Details Hardcover: 247 pages Publisher: Prometheus Books; Complete Numbers Starting with 1, 1st Ed edition (April 1st 1988) Language: English ISBN-10: 0879754400 ISBN-13: 978-0879754402 The laws of physics provide clear-cut principles defining what is possible - and not possible - in the physical world. This book examines and critiques many widely held pseudoscientific beliefs in light of these laws. Rather than treating supernatural claims on a case-by-case basis, Milton Rothman uses the general principles supplied by physics to show why they are, in fact, impossible. Rothman divides the laws of physics into two classes: laws of permission and laws of denial. Laws of permission, such as Newton's laws of motion, generally do not allow precise predictions except in the simplest cases. Laws of denial, such as conservation of energy, permit very accurate conclusions about what cannot possibly occur. He uses these concepts to examine and critique the possible existence of various paranormal phenomena, such as UFOs, telepathy, perpetual motion machines, poltergeists, etc. He also discusses a number of concepts traditional to science fiction: anti-gravity, faster-than-light travel, time travel, etc., which are shown to be impossible when subject to rigorous examination. Written in a technically accurate yet entertaining style, this book will appeal to the non-specialist yet still present concepts of interest to both professional scientists and philosophers of science. If disputes between facts and beliefs were easy to decide, Galileo would not have been threatened for claiming that the earth moved. He had the correct fact in hand, but was powerless to change the beliefs of others with that fact. His adversaries, on the other hand, had only beliefs and powers. From Library Journal Physicist Rothman clearly and concisely presents the atomic model of nature wherein the workings of our universe are described by interactions between subatomic particles. The first five chapters set forth how these interactions and physical laws manifest themselves. These chapters lay the groundwork enabling readers to acquire the "pragmatic skepticism" necessary to respond to phenomena that seemingly contradict laws of nature. Rothman then handles questions dealing with ESP, perpetual motion, telekinesis, and creationism logically and non-defensively, using verifiable physical laws. Pertinent bibliographies accompany each chapter. Highly recommended for informed non-specialists. Erna Chamberlain, SUNY at Binghamton Lib. Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.  Sharing Widget |