Shech publishes new book on idealizations in physics

Science is our best source of knowledge. Yet, the theories, laws and models of science are often highly idealized and, in a sense, false. How do we discover truth by appealing to lies (in the way of idealizations)? How does science provide accurate descriptions, true explanations and genuine understanding if appeals to idealizations, abstractions and approximations abound?

Associate Professor of Philosophy Elay Shech sheds light on such questions and connects issues such as epistemic justification, mathematical Platonism, scientific realism and scientific understanding in his new book, “Idealizations of Physics” (Cambridge University Press).

Shech received his Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh. He has held visiting fellowships at Durham University, National University of Singapore, the University of Sydney, the University of Bristol and Utrecht University. He was a visiting scholar/professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv University. His research interests include general philosophy of science, philosophy of physics, philosophy of mathematics and statistics as well as philosophy of artificial intelligence and machines learning, aesthetics and the philosophy of art.

Shech’s book can be downloaded for free until Jan. 26.