The philosophy of Nature and Philosophy of Physics in the Writings of Marian Smoluchowski is a popular science book whose aim is to introduce the outstanding physicist and philosopher to a wider circle of readers.

Marian Smoluchowski is the most frequently cited Polish scientist Web of Science estimates the number of citations of his works in the period from 1894 to 2014 at 7,235 (Maria Curie-Skodowska was cited 1,582 times during the same period). Equations relating to the theory of stochastic processes are regularly cited, and Smoluchowski's continuity equation is used in descriptions of sedimentation and coagulation processes. His research on Brownian motion contributed to the triumph of atomistic theory in physics. Thanks to their use, Richard Zsigmondy, Jean Perrin, and Theodor Svedberg received the Nobel Prize in 19251926. The book presents the Polish physicist's contribution to science and philosophy, especially the philosophy of nature. Smoluchowski's research on cause and chance led to the introduction of probability calculus into physics. His theory of the criterion of usefulness answers the questions of how science develops and how we verify hypotheses and theories. He proves that usefulness is a universal category and applies to all aspects of human functioning in the natural world.

Autorentext

Jan Grzanka holds a PhD in Philosophy from Catholic University of Lublin. He is a member of PTFT and PTF, editor-in-chief of two journals (Universitas Gedanensis and Festival Reminiscences) and Vice-President of the Polish Shakespeare Society. He has also authored and co-authored books on philosophy and Shakespearean studies.

Klappentext

Marian Smoluchowski is the most frequently cited Polish scientist - Web of Science estimates the number of citations of his works in the period from 1894 to 2014 at 7,235 (Maria Curie-Sk odowska was cited 1,582 times during the same period). Equations relating to the theory of stochastic processes are regularly cited, and Smoluchowski's continuity equation is used in descriptions of sedimentation and coagulation processes. His research on Brownian motion contributed to the triumph of atomistic theory in physics. Thanks to their use, Richard Zsigmondy, Jean Perrin, and Theodor Svedberg received the Nobel Prize in 1925-1926. The book presents the Polish physicist's contribution to science and philosophy, especially the philosophy of nature. Smoluchowski's research on cause and chance led to the introduction of probability calculus into physics. His theory of the criterion of usefulness answers the questions of how science develops and how we verify hypotheses and theories. He proves that usefulness is a universal category and applies to all aspects of human functioning in the natural world.

Inhalt

Marian Smoluchowski's place in Polish and world science - Preliminaries to the philosophy of Marian Smoluchowski - Smoluchowski's approach to the methodology and epistemology of science - Transformation of termodynamics into the kinetic theory of matter at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries - Smoluchowski's approach to the philosophical aspects of causality and chance - Smoluchowski's utility criterion - Smoluchowski's contribution to the development of the kinetic theory of matter - Conclusion