The (Pre-)Dawning of Functional Specialization in Physics

212 Pages·2017·1.868 MB·English

by  Terrance J Quinn

10423_9789813209091_tp.indd 1 21/2/17 8:53 AM
B2775 The Dawning of Fractional Specialization in Physics 9in x 6in

Frontispiece
In brief, functional specialties are functionally interdependent.
Such interdependence is of the greatest methodological interest. First, without any
prejudice to unity, it divides and clarifies the process from data to results. Secondly,
it provides an orderly link between field specialization, based on the division of data,
and subject specialization, based on a classification of results. Thirdly, the unity of
functional specialties will be found, I think, to overcome or, at least, counter-balance
the endless divisions of field specialization.*
____________________________________
The need for some division is clear enough from the divisions that already exist and
are recognized. … First, then, the need is not simply a matter of convenience. … It
arises not to divide the same sort of task among many hands, but to distinguish
different tasks and to prevent them from being confused. … Secondly, there exist
the different tasks. … Thirdly, the distinction and division are needed to curb
totalitarian ambitions. … Fourthly, the distinction and division are needed to resist
excessive demands.†
____________________________________

* Lonergan, B. (1975) Method in Theology (Darton, Longman & Todd, London),
Functional Specialties, ch. 5, p. 126.
† Ibid, pp. 136–138.
ii
10423_9789813209091_tp.indd 2 21/2/17 8:53 AM
Published by
World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.
5 Toh Tuck Link, Singapore 596224
USA office: 27 Warren Street, Suite 401-402, Hackensack, NJ 07601
UK office: 57 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9HE
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Quinn, Terrance J. (Professor of mathematics), author.
Title: The (pre-)dawning of functional specialization in physics /
Terrance J. Quinn (Middle Tennessee State University, USA).
Description: Singapore ; Hackensack, NJ : World Scientific, [2017]
Identifiers: LCCN 2016054698| ISBN 9789813209091 (hardcover ; alk. paper) |
ISBN 9813209097 (hardcover ; alk. paper)
Subjects: LCSH: Physics--Methodology. | Physics--Philosophy.
Classification: LCC QC6 .Q85 2017 | DDC 530.01--dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2016054698
British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
Copyright © 2017 by World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.
All rights reserved. This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage and retrieval
system now known or to be invented, without written permission from the publisher.
For photocopying of material in this volume, please pay a copying fee through the Copyright Clearance
Center, Inc., 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, USA. In this case permission to photocopy
is not required from the publisher.
Typeset by Stallion Press
Email: [email protected]
Printed in Singapore
LerhFeng - The (Pre-)Dawning of Functional Specialization in Physics.indd 1 16-12-16 9:21:12 AM
B2775 The Dawning of Fractional Specialization in Physics 9in x 6in

For
Philip McShane
Scholar and Teacher

v
b2530 International Strategic Relations and China’s National Security: World at the Crossroads
TTTThhhhiiiissss ppppaaaaggggeeee iiiinnnntttteeeennnnttttiiiioooonnnnaaaallllllllyyyy lllleeeefffftttt bbbbllllaaaannnnkkkk
b2530_FM.indd 6 01-Sep-16 11:03:06 AM
B2775 The Dawning of Fractional Specialization in Physics 9in x 6in

Contents
Frontispiece ii

Preface xi

Introduction Foreshadowings of a Normative Division of Labor 1

Chapter 1 Functional Research 13
1.1 Introduction: A Pilot-Wave 13
1.2 Directed Research 15
1.3 Sources of Data 17
1.4 Anomalies in Contemporary Collaboration 21
1.5 References 23

Chapter 2 Functional Interpretation 25
2.1 Introduction 25
2.2 O’Raifeartaigh Interpreting Weyl’s Gauge Theory 26
2.3 McShane Interpreting Schrodinger's Space-Time
Structure 27
2.4 Advanced Content and Analogy 31
2.5 Interpretation and History 33
2.6 Future Heuristics for Explanatory Interpretation;
and the Future Possibility of Interpreting Lonergan
on Interpretation 36
2.7 References 41

vii
B2775 The Dawning of Fractional Specialization in Physics 9in x 6in
viii Contents

Chapter 3 Functional History 43
3.1 Introduction 43
3.2 Preliminary Descriptions 44
3.2.1 The Dawning of Gauge Theory 44
3.2.2 Historical Roots of Gauge Invariance 51
3.2.3 The Trouble with Physics 52
3.2.4 Quantum Generations 61
3.2.5 The Oxford Handbook of the History
of Physics 64
3.3 Some Non-Trivial Problems to Resolve 66
3.4 Progress-Oriented Historical Studies 69
3.5 References 74

Chapter 4 Functional Dialectics 77
4.1 Introduction 77
4.2 Making Sense of Probabilities in Physics
by Illuminating Experience 82
4.3 Much More Is Needed: Method 250 94
4.4 References 96

Chapter 5 Functional Foundations 99
5.1 Introduction 99
5.2 Intimations: Fundamental Directions in History 101
5.3 My Foundations and Your Foundations 102
5.4 Discerning a Fifth Task 104
5.5 Something of What I Envision: Eightfold
Experience and Eightfold Progress 107
5.6 References 109

Chapter 6 Functional Doctrines and Policies 110
6.1 Introduction 110
6.2 Impromptu Reflections on Mathematics
and Physics 111
6.3 Physical Theories 116
6.4 Physical Sciences and Community Enterprise 117
6.5 Philosophy of Physics 119