David P. Blecher and Christian Le Merdy
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780198526599
- eISBN:
- 9780191712159
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198526599.001.0001
- Subject:
- Mathematics, Pure Mathematics
This book presents the general theory of algebras of operators on a Hilbert space, and the modules over such algebras. The new theory of operator spaces is presented early on and the text assembles ...
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This book presents the general theory of algebras of operators on a Hilbert space, and the modules over such algebras. The new theory of operator spaces is presented early on and the text assembles the basic concepts, theory, and methodologies. A major trend in modern mathematics, inspired largely by physics, is toward ‘noncommutative’ or ‘quantized’ phenomena. In functional analysis, this has appeared notably under the name of ‘operator spaces’, which is a variant of Banach spaces which is particularly appropriate for solving problems concerning spaces or algebras of operators on Hilbert space arising in ‘noncommutative mathematics’. The category of operator spaces includes operator algebras, selfadjoint (that is, C*-algebras) or otherwise. Also, most of the important modules over operator algebras are operator spaces. A common treatment of the subjects of C*-algebras, nonselfadjoint operator algebras, and modules over such algebras (such as Hilbert C*-modules), together under the umbrella of operator space theory, is the main topic of the book. A general theory of operator algebras and their modules naturally develops out of the operator space methodology. Indeed, operator space theory is a sensitive enough medium to reflect accurately many important noncommutative phenomena. Using recent advances in the field, the book shows how the underlying operator space structure captures, very precisely, the profound relations between the algebraic and the functional analytic structures involved. The rich interplay between spectral theory, operator theory, C*-algebra and von Neumann algebra techniques, and the influx of important ideas from related disciplines, such as pure algebra, Banach space theory, Banach algebras, and abstract function theory is highlighted. Each chapter ends with a section of notes containing additional information.Less
This book presents the general theory of algebras of operators on a Hilbert space, and the modules over such algebras. The new theory of operator spaces is presented early on and the text assembles the basic concepts, theory, and methodologies. A major trend in modern mathematics, inspired largely by physics, is toward ‘noncommutative’ or ‘quantized’ phenomena. In functional analysis, this has appeared notably under the name of ‘operator spaces’, which is a variant of Banach spaces which is particularly appropriate for solving problems concerning spaces or algebras of operators on Hilbert space arising in ‘noncommutative mathematics’. The category of operator spaces includes operator algebras, selfadjoint (that is, C*-algebras) or otherwise. Also, most of the important modules over operator algebras are operator spaces. A common treatment of the subjects of C*-algebras, nonselfadjoint operator algebras, and modules over such algebras (such as Hilbert C*-modules), together under the umbrella of operator space theory, is the main topic of the book. A general theory of operator algebras and their modules naturally develops out of the operator space methodology. Indeed, operator space theory is a sensitive enough medium to reflect accurately many important noncommutative phenomena. Using recent advances in the field, the book shows how the underlying operator space structure captures, very precisely, the profound relations between the algebraic and the functional analytic structures involved. The rich interplay between spectral theory, operator theory, C*-algebra and von Neumann algebra techniques, and the influx of important ideas from related disciplines, such as pure algebra, Banach space theory, Banach algebras, and abstract function theory is highlighted. Each chapter ends with a section of notes containing additional information.
Adele Goldberg
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199268511
- eISBN:
- 9780191708428
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199268511.003.0011
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Theoretical Linguistics
This chapter provides a brief summary of preceding chapters, observing that the constructionist approach directly undermines the need for biologically determined knowledge that is specific to ...
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This chapter provides a brief summary of preceding chapters, observing that the constructionist approach directly undermines the need for biologically determined knowledge that is specific to language (universal grammar). Generalizations are best described by analysing surface structure instead of positing an underlying level of representation (Chapter 2). The generalizations of language, like generalizations in other cognitive domains, are formed on the basis of instance-based knowledge that is retained (Chapter 3). Children are able to learn certain kinds of generalizations quite quickly, with skewed input like that commonly found in natural language playing a facilitory role (Chapter 4). Generalizations can be constrained by the indirect negative evidence children receive involving statistical preemption of non-occurring patterns (Chapter 5). Generalizations at the level of argument structure are made because they are useful, both in predicting meaning and in on-line production (Chapter 6). Classic island and scope phenomena can be accounted for by recognizing the discourse function of the constructions involved (Chapter 7). Generalizations that appear to be purely syntactic are at least sometimes better analysed in terms of constructions insofar as a patterns' distribution is typically conditioned by its functional role (Chapter 8). Cross-linguistic generalizations can be accounted for by appealing to pragmatic, cognitive, and processing facts that are independently required, without any stipulations that are specific to language (Chapter 9).Less
This chapter provides a brief summary of preceding chapters, observing that the constructionist approach directly undermines the need for biologically determined knowledge that is specific to language (universal grammar). Generalizations are best described by analysing surface structure instead of positing an underlying level of representation (Chapter 2). The generalizations of language, like generalizations in other cognitive domains, are formed on the basis of instance-based knowledge that is retained (Chapter 3). Children are able to learn certain kinds of generalizations quite quickly, with skewed input like that commonly found in natural language playing a facilitory role (Chapter 4). Generalizations can be constrained by the indirect negative evidence children receive involving statistical preemption of non-occurring patterns (Chapter 5). Generalizations at the level of argument structure are made because they are useful, both in predicting meaning and in on-line production (Chapter 6). Classic island and scope phenomena can be accounted for by recognizing the discourse function of the constructions involved (Chapter 7). Generalizations that appear to be purely syntactic are at least sometimes better analysed in terms of constructions insofar as a patterns' distribution is typically conditioned by its functional role (Chapter 8). Cross-linguistic generalizations can be accounted for by appealing to pragmatic, cognitive, and processing facts that are independently required, without any stipulations that are specific to language (Chapter 9).
Paul Crowther
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199579976
- eISBN:
- 9780191722615
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199579976.003.0009
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Aesthetics, History of Philosophy
This chapter emphasizes that in offering an alternative to interminablist interpretations of the Kantian aesthetic, the present work has striven to develop avenues of understanding opened up through ...
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This chapter emphasizes that in offering an alternative to interminablist interpretations of the Kantian aesthetic, the present work has striven to develop avenues of understanding opened up through his key concepts and arguments. In particular, great emphasis has been placed on meta-aesthetic factors, which reveal the deep grounding of aesthetic phenomena on structures that are experientially decisive (as the basis of objective knowledge and the unity of self-consciousness). Through this means it has been possible, also, to show that the aesthetic domain has a depth of meaning that invests it with a validity that exceeds the levelling instincts of global consumerism and cultural relativism. It offers the basis of a critical justification of higher cultural phenomena.Less
This chapter emphasizes that in offering an alternative to interminablist interpretations of the Kantian aesthetic, the present work has striven to develop avenues of understanding opened up through his key concepts and arguments. In particular, great emphasis has been placed on meta-aesthetic factors, which reveal the deep grounding of aesthetic phenomena on structures that are experientially decisive (as the basis of objective knowledge and the unity of self-consciousness). Through this means it has been possible, also, to show that the aesthetic domain has a depth of meaning that invests it with a validity that exceeds the levelling instincts of global consumerism and cultural relativism. It offers the basis of a critical justification of higher cultural phenomena.
Bas C. van Fraassen
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199278220
- eISBN:
- 9780191707926
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199278220.003.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind, Philosophy of Science
The Bildtheorie — ‘picture theory of science’ — formed the frame for much discussion and controversy among physicists in the decades around the year 1900. It emphasizes one aspect believed to be ...
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The Bildtheorie — ‘picture theory of science’ — formed the frame for much discussion and controversy among physicists in the decades around the year 1900. It emphasizes one aspect believed to be central to the scientific enterprise: representation of the empirical phenomena, by means of artifacts, both physical and mathematical. The question to be addressed is whether such a ‘picture theory’ can be developed today compatibly with the insights claimed by empiricist and structuralist views of science.Less
The Bildtheorie — ‘picture theory of science’ — formed the frame for much discussion and controversy among physicists in the decades around the year 1900. It emphasizes one aspect believed to be central to the scientific enterprise: representation of the empirical phenomena, by means of artifacts, both physical and mathematical. The question to be addressed is whether such a ‘picture theory’ can be developed today compatibly with the insights claimed by empiricist and structuralist views of science.
Sergey Ganichev and Willi Prettl
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780198528302
- eISBN:
- 9780191713637
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198528302.001.0001
- Subject:
- Physics, Condensed Matter Physics / Materials
This book presents high-power terahertz applications to semiconductors and semiconductor structures. It aims to bridge the gap between optics and microwave physics. It focuses on a core topic of ...
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This book presents high-power terahertz applications to semiconductors and semiconductor structures. It aims to bridge the gap between optics and microwave physics. It focuses on a core topic of semiconductor physics, providing a full description of the state of art of the field. The book introduces new physical phenomena which occur in the terahertz frequency range at the transition from semi-classical physics with a classical field amplitude to the fully quantized limit with photons. It covers tunneling in high-frequency fields, nonlinear absorption of radiation and radiation heating, nonlinear optics in the classical sense, Bloch-oscillations and ponderomotive forces of the terahertz radiation on free carriers, photon drag and photogalvanic effects, and terahertz spin dependent phenomena being of importance in the field of spintronics. Background information for future work and references of current literature are given. The book also discusses various experimental aspects like the generation of high-power coherent terahertz radiation, properties of materials with respect to their application in optical components, and detection schemes of short intense terahertz pulses.Less
This book presents high-power terahertz applications to semiconductors and semiconductor structures. It aims to bridge the gap between optics and microwave physics. It focuses on a core topic of semiconductor physics, providing a full description of the state of art of the field. The book introduces new physical phenomena which occur in the terahertz frequency range at the transition from semi-classical physics with a classical field amplitude to the fully quantized limit with photons. It covers tunneling in high-frequency fields, nonlinear absorption of radiation and radiation heating, nonlinear optics in the classical sense, Bloch-oscillations and ponderomotive forces of the terahertz radiation on free carriers, photon drag and photogalvanic effects, and terahertz spin dependent phenomena being of importance in the field of spintronics. Background information for future work and references of current literature are given. The book also discusses various experimental aspects like the generation of high-power coherent terahertz radiation, properties of materials with respect to their application in optical components, and detection schemes of short intense terahertz pulses.
Anatoly Larkin (late) and Andrei Varlamov
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780198528159
- eISBN:
- 9780191713521
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198528159.001.0001
- Subject:
- Physics, Condensed Matter Physics / Materials
This book presents itself as both an encyclopedia and a textbook of fluctuation phenomena in superconductors. The first half presents the phenomenological methods of the Ginzburg-Landau theory and ...
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This book presents itself as both an encyclopedia and a textbook of fluctuation phenomena in superconductors. The first half presents the phenomenological methods of the Ginzburg-Landau theory and microscopical methods of the quantum field theory in the description of fluctuations. The second half provides a wide panorama of the superconductive fluctuations manifestated in different observables: their role in fields such as high temperature superconductivity, nano-superconductivity, the physics of Josephson junctions and granular superconductors, and strongly disordered superconductors. Other textbooks on this subject postulate that the BCS theory of superconductivity is an exact one. This book dispels this, indicating the limits of the applicability of the mean field theory and demonstrating the existence of a wide circle of interesting phenomena beyond its confines.Less
This book presents itself as both an encyclopedia and a textbook of fluctuation phenomena in superconductors. The first half presents the phenomenological methods of the Ginzburg-Landau theory and microscopical methods of the quantum field theory in the description of fluctuations. The second half provides a wide panorama of the superconductive fluctuations manifestated in different observables: their role in fields such as high temperature superconductivity, nano-superconductivity, the physics of Josephson junctions and granular superconductors, and strongly disordered superconductors. Other textbooks on this subject postulate that the BCS theory of superconductivity is an exact one. This book dispels this, indicating the limits of the applicability of the mean field theory and demonstrating the existence of a wide circle of interesting phenomena beyond its confines.
Jacques Balthazart
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199838820
- eISBN:
- 9780199919512
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199838820.001.0001
- Subject:
- Neuroscience, Neuroendocrine and Autonomic, Development
This book presents a simple description of the biological mechanisms that are involved in the determination of sexual orientation in animals and also presumably in humans. Using scientific studies ...
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This book presents a simple description of the biological mechanisms that are involved in the determination of sexual orientation in animals and also presumably in humans. Using scientific studies published over the last few decades, it argues that sexual orientation, both homosexual and heterosexual, is under the control of embryonic endocrine and genetic phenomena in which there is little room for individual choice. The book begins with animal studies of the hormonal and neural mechanisms that control the so-called instinctive behaviors and analyzes how this animal work may potentially apply to humans. The book does not focus exclusively on homosexuality, however. Instead, the book acts as a broader guide to the biological basis of sexual orientation, and also discusses important gender differences that may influence sexual orientation.Less
This book presents a simple description of the biological mechanisms that are involved in the determination of sexual orientation in animals and also presumably in humans. Using scientific studies published over the last few decades, it argues that sexual orientation, both homosexual and heterosexual, is under the control of embryonic endocrine and genetic phenomena in which there is little room for individual choice. The book begins with animal studies of the hormonal and neural mechanisms that control the so-called instinctive behaviors and analyzes how this animal work may potentially apply to humans. The book does not focus exclusively on homosexuality, however. Instead, the book acts as a broader guide to the biological basis of sexual orientation, and also discusses important gender differences that may influence sexual orientation.
Edouard Machery
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195306880
- eISBN:
- 9780199867950
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195306880.003.0010
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind
The Conclusion summarizes the book's main arguments. This book has argued that, conceptual change is an essential component of scientific progress but what is known about the psychology of concepts ...
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The Conclusion summarizes the book's main arguments. This book has argued that, conceptual change is an essential component of scientific progress but what is known about the psychology of concepts needs to be organized in a coherent framework. The Conclusion contends that current theories fail to explain all the known phenomena. The book has sketched a framework for developing multi-process theories of the higher cognitive competences, identifying several key questions that need to be answered by proponents of these theories.Less
The Conclusion summarizes the book's main arguments. This book has argued that, conceptual change is an essential component of scientific progress but what is known about the psychology of concepts needs to be organized in a coherent framework. The Conclusion contends that current theories fail to explain all the known phenomena. The book has sketched a framework for developing multi-process theories of the higher cognitive competences, identifying several key questions that need to be answered by proponents of these theories.
Brian O'Shaughnessy
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199256723
- eISBN:
- 9780191598135
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199256721.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind
This book presents a theory of consciousness, one of the most fascinating but puzzling aspects of human existence. It investigates what consciousness is and how it engages, through perception, with ...
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This book presents a theory of consciousness, one of the most fascinating but puzzling aspects of human existence. It investigates what consciousness is and how it engages, through perception, with the world. Whatever mystery there may be about origins of consciousness, this book suggests that there is no mystery about what it is. It is the book's contention that consciousness consists in a closely knit complex of occurrent mental phenomena and powers with thinking and self-knowledge at the centre — and nothing else. The book proceeds to give a philosophical elucidation of its nature, analysing it into its constituent psychological parts. It argues that consciousness has a determinate character as an internal but world-oriented phenomenon, and that there exist logically necessary and sufficient conditions for its presence. Though consciousness is an internal state, perception is its very foundation, being the source of the material with which the mind develops, and essential to the processes whereby it does so. The book continues with an extended summary of the phenomena of perception and attention, examining their their component elements and their relations with consciousness and with the world. It demonstrates how close to the heart of consciousness is perception, envisaged already in the very concept. Perception is portrayed as a journey of the attention from the raw date of the senses outwards into physical reality, The different modes of sensory perception are analysed in turn, to give a full picture of how the mind opens out onto its environment and assembles for itself a representation of outer reality. So it is that the gap is closed between the mental and physical domains, and the epistemological basis of mind is established.Less
This book presents a theory of consciousness, one of the most fascinating but puzzling aspects of human existence. It investigates what consciousness is and how it engages, through perception, with the world. Whatever mystery there may be about origins of consciousness, this book suggests that there is no mystery about what it is. It is the book's contention that consciousness consists in a closely knit complex of occurrent mental phenomena and powers with thinking and self-knowledge at the centre — and nothing else. The book proceeds to give a philosophical elucidation of its nature, analysing it into its constituent psychological parts. It argues that consciousness has a determinate character as an internal but world-oriented phenomenon, and that there exist logically necessary and sufficient conditions for its presence. Though consciousness is an internal state, perception is its very foundation, being the source of the material with which the mind develops, and essential to the processes whereby it does so. The book continues with an extended summary of the phenomena of perception and attention, examining their their component elements and their relations with consciousness and with the world. It demonstrates how close to the heart of consciousness is perception, envisaged already in the very concept. Perception is portrayed as a journey of the attention from the raw date of the senses outwards into physical reality, The different modes of sensory perception are analysed in turn, to give a full picture of how the mind opens out onto its environment and assembles for itself a representation of outer reality. So it is that the gap is closed between the mental and physical domains, and the epistemological basis of mind is established.
Hidetoshi Nishimori and Gerardo Ortiz
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- January 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199577224
- eISBN:
- 9780191722943
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199577224.001.0001
- Subject:
- Physics, Theoretical, Computational, and Statistical Physics
Phase transitions and critical phenomena have consistently been among the principal subjects of active studies in statistical physics. The simple act of transforming one state of matter or phase into ...
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Phase transitions and critical phenomena have consistently been among the principal subjects of active studies in statistical physics. The simple act of transforming one state of matter or phase into another, for instance by changing the temperature, has always captivated the curious mind. This book provides an introductory account on the theory of phase transitions and critical phenomena, a subject now recognized to be indispensable for students and researchers from many fields of physics and related disciplines. The first five chapters are very basic and quintessential, and cover standard topics such as mean-field theories, the renormalization group and scaling, universality, and statistical field theory methods. The remaining chapters develop more advanced concepts, including conformal field theory, the Kosterlitz-Thouless transition, the effects of randomness, percolation, exactly solvable models, series expansions, duality transformations, and numerical techniques. Moreover, a comprehensive series of appendices expand and clarify several issues not developed in the main text. The important role played by symmetry and topology in understanding the competition between phases and the resulting emergent collective behaviour, giving rise to rigidity and soft elementary excitations, is stressed throughout the book. Serious attempts have been directed toward a self-contained modular approach so that the reader does not have to refer to other sources for supplementary information. Accordingly, most of the concepts and calculations are described in detail, sometimes with additional/auxiliary descriptions given in appendices and exercises. The latter are presented as the topics develop with solutions found at the end of the book, thus giving the text a self-learning character.Less
Phase transitions and critical phenomena have consistently been among the principal subjects of active studies in statistical physics. The simple act of transforming one state of matter or phase into another, for instance by changing the temperature, has always captivated the curious mind. This book provides an introductory account on the theory of phase transitions and critical phenomena, a subject now recognized to be indispensable for students and researchers from many fields of physics and related disciplines. The first five chapters are very basic and quintessential, and cover standard topics such as mean-field theories, the renormalization group and scaling, universality, and statistical field theory methods. The remaining chapters develop more advanced concepts, including conformal field theory, the Kosterlitz-Thouless transition, the effects of randomness, percolation, exactly solvable models, series expansions, duality transformations, and numerical techniques. Moreover, a comprehensive series of appendices expand and clarify several issues not developed in the main text. The important role played by symmetry and topology in understanding the competition between phases and the resulting emergent collective behaviour, giving rise to rigidity and soft elementary excitations, is stressed throughout the book. Serious attempts have been directed toward a self-contained modular approach so that the reader does not have to refer to other sources for supplementary information. Accordingly, most of the concepts and calculations are described in detail, sometimes with additional/auxiliary descriptions given in appendices and exercises. The latter are presented as the topics develop with solutions found at the end of the book, thus giving the text a self-learning character.
Denise Meyerson
- Published in print:
- 1991
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198248194
- eISBN:
- 9780191681073
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198248194.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Political Philosophy
This book is concerned with both analytical philosophy of mind and Marxist philosophy. Marxists see pervasive irrationality in the conduct of human affairs, and claim that people in a class-divided ...
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This book is concerned with both analytical philosophy of mind and Marxist philosophy. Marxists see pervasive irrationality in the conduct of human affairs, and claim that people in a class-divided society are prone to a variety of misconceptions. They say that we can suffer from ‘false consciousness’ in our views about what inspires our behaviour and in our judgements about what is good for us. This book uses the techniques of analytical philosophy to investigate this picture. It argues that Marxism is committed to the idea of motivated belief, and that the idea is philosophically defensible. The book shows that there are other philosophically defensible claims which are congenial to Marxism: that there are facts about interests that are not based on wants; that a desire can be contaminated by its history; that our judgements about our interests do not automatically motivate us; and that beliefs can survive the evidence that they are false. In doing so this book throws light on certain puzzling psychological phenomena, which confront everyone in their everyday political experience.Less
This book is concerned with both analytical philosophy of mind and Marxist philosophy. Marxists see pervasive irrationality in the conduct of human affairs, and claim that people in a class-divided society are prone to a variety of misconceptions. They say that we can suffer from ‘false consciousness’ in our views about what inspires our behaviour and in our judgements about what is good for us. This book uses the techniques of analytical philosophy to investigate this picture. It argues that Marxism is committed to the idea of motivated belief, and that the idea is philosophically defensible. The book shows that there are other philosophically defensible claims which are congenial to Marxism: that there are facts about interests that are not based on wants; that a desire can be contaminated by its history; that our judgements about our interests do not automatically motivate us; and that beliefs can survive the evidence that they are false. In doing so this book throws light on certain puzzling psychological phenomena, which confront everyone in their everyday political experience.
Joshua S. Bloom
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691145570
- eISBN:
- 9781400837007
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691145570.001.0001
- Subject:
- Physics, Particle Physics / Astrophysics / Cosmology
Gamma-ray bursts are the brightest—and, until recently, among the least understood—cosmic events in the universe. Discovered by chance during the Cold War, these evanescent high-energy explosions ...
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Gamma-ray bursts are the brightest—and, until recently, among the least understood—cosmic events in the universe. Discovered by chance during the Cold War, these evanescent high-energy explosions confounded astronomers for decades. But a rapid series of startling breakthroughs beginning in 1997 revealed that the majority of gamma-ray bursts are caused by the explosions of young and massive stars in the vast star-forming cauldrons of distant galaxies. New findings also point to very different origins for some events, serving to complicate but enrich our understanding of the exotic and violent universe. This book is an introduction to this fast-growing subject, written by an astrophysicist who is at the forefront of today's research into these incredible cosmic phenomena. The book gives readers a concise and accessible overview of gamma-ray bursts and the theoretical framework that physicists have developed to make sense of complex observations across the electromagnetic spectrum. The book traces the history of remarkable discoveries that led to our current understanding of gamma-ray bursts, and reveals the decisive role these phenomena could play in the grand pursuits of twenty-first century astrophysics, from studying gravity waves and unveiling the growth of stars and galaxies after the big bang to surmising the ultimate fate of the universe itself. This book is an essential primer to this exciting frontier of scientific inquiry, and a must-read for anyone seeking to keep pace with cutting-edge developments in physics today.Less
Gamma-ray bursts are the brightest—and, until recently, among the least understood—cosmic events in the universe. Discovered by chance during the Cold War, these evanescent high-energy explosions confounded astronomers for decades. But a rapid series of startling breakthroughs beginning in 1997 revealed that the majority of gamma-ray bursts are caused by the explosions of young and massive stars in the vast star-forming cauldrons of distant galaxies. New findings also point to very different origins for some events, serving to complicate but enrich our understanding of the exotic and violent universe. This book is an introduction to this fast-growing subject, written by an astrophysicist who is at the forefront of today's research into these incredible cosmic phenomena. The book gives readers a concise and accessible overview of gamma-ray bursts and the theoretical framework that physicists have developed to make sense of complex observations across the electromagnetic spectrum. The book traces the history of remarkable discoveries that led to our current understanding of gamma-ray bursts, and reveals the decisive role these phenomena could play in the grand pursuits of twenty-first century astrophysics, from studying gravity waves and unveiling the growth of stars and galaxies after the big bang to surmising the ultimate fate of the universe itself. This book is an essential primer to this exciting frontier of scientific inquiry, and a must-read for anyone seeking to keep pace with cutting-edge developments in physics today.
A. A. Long
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- January 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199279128
- eISBN:
- 9780191706769
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199279128.003.0008
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Ancient Philosophy
When Epicurus discharged the gods from running the world, he gave new fuel to a controversy which had been raging off and on for the past hundred years, and which would continue not only through the ...
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When Epicurus discharged the gods from running the world, he gave new fuel to a controversy which had been raging off and on for the past hundred years, and which would continue not only through the Hellenistic and early Christian centuries but even up to the present day, as 21st-century evolutionists lock horns with proponents of Intelligent Design. In nominating atoms and void as the basic principles of natural phenomena, Epicurus knew that he was entering an arena where Plato and Aristotle had already done battle against the mechanistic explanations of earlier thinkers. The first question of this study is whether Epicurus did envision a random or chance element in nature. It is argued that if the answer to this question is negative, there is no reason to give the swerve a larger role than that explicitly accorded it by Lucretius.Less
When Epicurus discharged the gods from running the world, he gave new fuel to a controversy which had been raging off and on for the past hundred years, and which would continue not only through the Hellenistic and early Christian centuries but even up to the present day, as 21st-century evolutionists lock horns with proponents of Intelligent Design. In nominating atoms and void as the basic principles of natural phenomena, Epicurus knew that he was entering an arena where Plato and Aristotle had already done battle against the mechanistic explanations of earlier thinkers. The first question of this study is whether Epicurus did envision a random or chance element in nature. It is argued that if the answer to this question is negative, there is no reason to give the swerve a larger role than that explicitly accorded it by Lucretius.
Rowland Stout
- Published in print:
- 1996
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198240631
- eISBN:
- 9780191680212
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198240631.003.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Metaphysics/Epistemology, Philosophy of Mind
This book argues that intentional actions are unique among natural phenomena in that they happen because they should happen. This is not to say that they happen because they ought to morally, ...
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This book argues that intentional actions are unique among natural phenomena in that they happen because they should happen. This is not to say that they happen because they ought to morally, although perhaps they sometimes do. It is to say that there are ways of evaluating actions as rational or irrational, as justified or unjustified; and it is because they are rational or justified, according to such a way of evaluating things, that they happen. This is a highly controversial thesis; it amounts to saying that value has a causal role to play in nature. It goes against the orthodox view that evaluations are only projected on to the world by people; they are not part of the fabric of nature and so cannot themselves make anything happen.Less
This book argues that intentional actions are unique among natural phenomena in that they happen because they should happen. This is not to say that they happen because they ought to morally, although perhaps they sometimes do. It is to say that there are ways of evaluating actions as rational or irrational, as justified or unjustified; and it is because they are rational or justified, according to such a way of evaluating things, that they happen. This is a highly controversial thesis; it amounts to saying that value has a causal role to play in nature. It goes against the orthodox view that evaluations are only projected on to the world by people; they are not part of the fabric of nature and so cannot themselves make anything happen.
Barry M McCoy
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199556632
- eISBN:
- 9780191723278
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199556632.001.0001
- Subject:
- Physics, Theoretical, Computational, and Statistical Physics
This book begins where elementary books and courses leave off and covers the advances made in statistical mechanics in the past fifty years. The book is divided into three parts. The first part is on ...
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This book begins where elementary books and courses leave off and covers the advances made in statistical mechanics in the past fifty years. The book is divided into three parts. The first part is on general theory which includes a summary of the basic principles of statistical mechanics; a presentation of the physical phenomena covered and the models used to discuss them; theorems on the existence and uniqueness of partition functions; theorems on order; and critical phenomena and scaling theory. The second part is on series and numerical methods which includes derivations of the Mayer and Ree–Hoover expansions of the low density virial equation of state; Groeneveld's theorems; the application to hard spheres and discs; a summary of numerical studies of systems at high density; and the use of high temperature series expansions to estimate critical exponents for magnets. The third part covers exactly solvable models which includes a detailed presentation of the Pfaffian methods of computing the Ising partition function, magnetization, correlation functions, and susceptibility; the star-triangle (Yang–Baxter equation); functional equations and the free energy for the eight-vertex model; and the hard hexagon and chiral Potts models. All needed mathematics is developed in detail and many open questions are discussed. The goal is to guide the reader to the current forefront of research.Less
This book begins where elementary books and courses leave off and covers the advances made in statistical mechanics in the past fifty years. The book is divided into three parts. The first part is on general theory which includes a summary of the basic principles of statistical mechanics; a presentation of the physical phenomena covered and the models used to discuss them; theorems on the existence and uniqueness of partition functions; theorems on order; and critical phenomena and scaling theory. The second part is on series and numerical methods which includes derivations of the Mayer and Ree–Hoover expansions of the low density virial equation of state; Groeneveld's theorems; the application to hard spheres and discs; a summary of numerical studies of systems at high density; and the use of high temperature series expansions to estimate critical exponents for magnets. The third part covers exactly solvable models which includes a detailed presentation of the Pfaffian methods of computing the Ising partition function, magnetization, correlation functions, and susceptibility; the star-triangle (Yang–Baxter equation); functional equations and the free energy for the eight-vertex model; and the hard hexagon and chiral Potts models. All needed mathematics is developed in detail and many open questions are discussed. The goal is to guide the reader to the current forefront of research.
Rae Langton
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199243174
- eISBN:
- 9780191597909
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199243174.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy
This book offers a new interpretation and defence of Kant's doctrine of things in themselves. Kant distinguishes things in themselves from phenomena, and in doing so he makes a metaphysical ...
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This book offers a new interpretation and defence of Kant's doctrine of things in themselves. Kant distinguishes things in themselves from phenomena, and in doing so he makes a metaphysical distinction between intrinsic and relational properties of substances. Kant says that phenomena—things as we know them—consist ‘entirely of relations’. His claim that we have no knowledge of things in themselves is not idealism, but epistemic humility: we have no knowledge of the intrinsic properties of substances. This humility has its roots in some plausible philosophical beliefs: an empiricist belief in the receptivity of human knowledge and a metaphysical belief in the irreducibility of relational properties. The interpretation vindicates Kant's scientific realism, drawing on his theory of force, and explains the advantages of his primary–secondary quality distinction. And it answers the famous charge that Kant's tale of things in themselves is one that makes itself untellable.Less
This book offers a new interpretation and defence of Kant's doctrine of things in themselves. Kant distinguishes things in themselves from phenomena, and in doing so he makes a metaphysical distinction between intrinsic and relational properties of substances. Kant says that phenomena—things as we know them—consist ‘entirely of relations’. His claim that we have no knowledge of things in themselves is not idealism, but epistemic humility: we have no knowledge of the intrinsic properties of substances. This humility has its roots in some plausible philosophical beliefs: an empiricist belief in the receptivity of human knowledge and a metaphysical belief in the irreducibility of relational properties. The interpretation vindicates Kant's scientific realism, drawing on his theory of force, and explains the advantages of his primary–secondary quality distinction. And it answers the famous charge that Kant's tale of things in themselves is one that makes itself untellable.
J. T. Vallance
- Published in print:
- 1990
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198242482
- eISBN:
- 9780191680489
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198242482.003.0006
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Ancient Philosophy
The Asclepiadean corpuscular hypothesis can be seen for what it was. It was not Epicurean as to the extent that it stands in a tradition of ‘monistic theories’, the theory might broadly be termed ...
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The Asclepiadean corpuscular hypothesis can be seen for what it was. It was not Epicurean as to the extent that it stands in a tradition of ‘monistic theories’, the theory might broadly be termed ‘atomistic’, but this misrepresents it seriously. It was not Heraclidean either though this may come as a big surprise to those scholars who have assumed that Asclepiades is a transparent source for the Heraclidean theory. The corpuscular hypothesis of Asclepiades marks a notable attempt at pairing down the multiplicity of explanations of physiological and pathological phenomena. Not only does this type of activity lie in a well-attested Hippocratic tradition, but in one whose importance in the development of Hellenistic medicine seems often to be overlooked.Less
The Asclepiadean corpuscular hypothesis can be seen for what it was. It was not Epicurean as to the extent that it stands in a tradition of ‘monistic theories’, the theory might broadly be termed ‘atomistic’, but this misrepresents it seriously. It was not Heraclidean either though this may come as a big surprise to those scholars who have assumed that Asclepiades is a transparent source for the Heraclidean theory. The corpuscular hypothesis of Asclepiades marks a notable attempt at pairing down the multiplicity of explanations of physiological and pathological phenomena. Not only does this type of activity lie in a well-attested Hippocratic tradition, but in one whose importance in the development of Hellenistic medicine seems often to be overlooked.
Jürg Frohlich, Manfred Salmhofer, Vieri Mastropietro, Wojciech De Roeck, and Leticia F. Cugliandolo (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199652495
- eISBN:
- 9780191741203
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199652495.001.0001
- Subject:
- Physics, Atomic, Laser, and Optical Physics
This book collects lecture courses and seminars given at the Les Houches Summer School 2010 on ‘Quantum Theory: From Small to Large Scales’. Fundamental quantum phenomena appear on all scales, from ...
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This book collects lecture courses and seminars given at the Les Houches Summer School 2010 on ‘Quantum Theory: From Small to Large Scales’. Fundamental quantum phenomena appear on all scales, from microscopic to macroscopic. Some of the pertinent questions include the onset of decoherence, the dynamics of collective modes, the influence of external randomness, and the emergence of dissipative behaviour. Our understanding of such phenomena has been advanced by the study of model systems and by the derivation and analysis of effective dynamics for large systems and over long times. In this field, research in mathematical physics has regularly contributed results that were recognized as essential in the physics community. During the last few years, the key questions have been sharpened and progress on answering them has been particularly strong. This book reviews the state-of-the-art developments in this field and provides the necessary background for future studies.Less
This book collects lecture courses and seminars given at the Les Houches Summer School 2010 on ‘Quantum Theory: From Small to Large Scales’. Fundamental quantum phenomena appear on all scales, from microscopic to macroscopic. Some of the pertinent questions include the onset of decoherence, the dynamics of collective modes, the influence of external randomness, and the emergence of dissipative behaviour. Our understanding of such phenomena has been advanced by the study of model systems and by the derivation and analysis of effective dynamics for large systems and over long times. In this field, research in mathematical physics has regularly contributed results that were recognized as essential in the physics community. During the last few years, the key questions have been sharpened and progress on answering them has been particularly strong. This book reviews the state-of-the-art developments in this field and provides the necessary background for future studies.
Mark Wilson
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- January 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199269259
- eISBN:
- 9780191710155
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199269259.003.0006
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Language
Drawing upon the rich experience gathered within applied mathematics, various ‘facade patterns’ are examined that frequently develop when an originating usage enlarges its descriptive scope through ...
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Drawing upon the rich experience gathered within applied mathematics, various ‘facade patterns’ are examined that frequently develop when an originating usage enlarges its descriptive scope through patch-to-patch prolongation. The completed results can generate a global structure that is syntactically inconsistent as a whole, yet avoids logical ruination through simple restrictions upon data exportation from one patch to another (a ‘Riemann surface’ represents a standard mathematical prototype of the phenomenon). It is argued that not only do such facades often represent the natural end products of ordinary linguistic development, they often provide particularly effective forms of linguistic engineering. Philosophical puzzles sometimes arise when these alternative patterns of semantic design get mistaken for classical models, as the troubled history of ‘force’ effectively illustrates. The fact that we can rarely determine whether an initial collection of descriptive vocabulary is destined to develop into a facade rather than implementing a simpler pattern of word/world alignment provides a convenient indication of the degree to which a classical picture of conceptual grasp exaggerates our capacity to augur the fate of our descriptive words over time.Less
Drawing upon the rich experience gathered within applied mathematics, various ‘facade patterns’ are examined that frequently develop when an originating usage enlarges its descriptive scope through patch-to-patch prolongation. The completed results can generate a global structure that is syntactically inconsistent as a whole, yet avoids logical ruination through simple restrictions upon data exportation from one patch to another (a ‘Riemann surface’ represents a standard mathematical prototype of the phenomenon). It is argued that not only do such facades often represent the natural end products of ordinary linguistic development, they often provide particularly effective forms of linguistic engineering. Philosophical puzzles sometimes arise when these alternative patterns of semantic design get mistaken for classical models, as the troubled history of ‘force’ effectively illustrates. The fact that we can rarely determine whether an initial collection of descriptive vocabulary is destined to develop into a facade rather than implementing a simpler pattern of word/world alignment provides a convenient indication of the degree to which a classical picture of conceptual grasp exaggerates our capacity to augur the fate of our descriptive words over time.
Mark Dykman (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199691388
- eISBN:
- 9780191742255
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199691388.001.0001
- Subject:
- Physics, Theoretical, Computational, and Statistical Physics
The book elucidates the physics of classical and quantum fluctuations in nonlinear oscillators and provides a unifying insight into fluctuation phenomena in a variety of vibrational systems of ...
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The book elucidates the physics of classical and quantum fluctuations in nonlinear oscillators and provides a unifying insight into fluctuation phenomena in a variety of vibrational systems of current interest. The considered systems are mesoscopis: they are small, so that fluctuations play an important role, but can be individually accessed. The book consists of chapters written by leading experts in the field. The chapters are self-contained and complement each other. They describe major types of nonlinear mesoscopic vibrational systems and the new quantum and classical physics learned using these systems. Also described are new approaches to quantum and classical measurements. The discussed topics include nonlinear dynamics, bistability, and quantum control of microwave cavity modes coupled to qubits; measurements with bifurcation amplifiers based on modulated vibrational systems and new types of such amplifiers; switching rate scaling and a new quantum mechanism of switching in modulated systems; nonlinear wave mixing, parametric excitation, and amplification in the quantum regime; collective phenomena in coupled modulated vibrational systems and the interaction-induced breaking of the time-translation symmetry; quantum back-action in strongly coupled electron-vibrational systems and the effect on the vibrations of the shot noise from spin current; new mechanisms of vibrational relaxation; and the quantum-classical correspondence in the strongly nonlinear regime. The specific systems considered in the book include Josephson junctions, microwave cavities containing qubits or other devices based on Josephson junctions, nano- and micro-mechanical systems, carbon nanotubes, cold atoms, and nano-magnetic oscillators.Less
The book elucidates the physics of classical and quantum fluctuations in nonlinear oscillators and provides a unifying insight into fluctuation phenomena in a variety of vibrational systems of current interest. The considered systems are mesoscopis: they are small, so that fluctuations play an important role, but can be individually accessed. The book consists of chapters written by leading experts in the field. The chapters are self-contained and complement each other. They describe major types of nonlinear mesoscopic vibrational systems and the new quantum and classical physics learned using these systems. Also described are new approaches to quantum and classical measurements. The discussed topics include nonlinear dynamics, bistability, and quantum control of microwave cavity modes coupled to qubits; measurements with bifurcation amplifiers based on modulated vibrational systems and new types of such amplifiers; switching rate scaling and a new quantum mechanism of switching in modulated systems; nonlinear wave mixing, parametric excitation, and amplification in the quantum regime; collective phenomena in coupled modulated vibrational systems and the interaction-induced breaking of the time-translation symmetry; quantum back-action in strongly coupled electron-vibrational systems and the effect on the vibrations of the shot noise from spin current; new mechanisms of vibrational relaxation; and the quantum-classical correspondence in the strongly nonlinear regime. The specific systems considered in the book include Josephson junctions, microwave cavities containing qubits or other devices based on Josephson junctions, nano- and micro-mechanical systems, carbon nanotubes, cold atoms, and nano-magnetic oscillators.
