▽Quantum Theory: von Neumann vs. Dirac ●10/16 14:58 An ongoing debate in the foundations of quantum physics concerns the role of mathematical rigor. The contrasting views of von Neumann and Dirac provide interesting and informative insights concerning two sides of this debate. Von Neumann’s contributions often emphasize mathematical rigor and Dirac’s contributions emphasize pragmatic concerns. The discussion below begins with an assessm
▽Descartes’ Physics ●10/16 03:42 First published Fri Jul 29, 2005; substantive revision Fri Oct 15, 2021 While René Descartes (1596–1650) is well-known as one of the founders of modern philosophy, his influential role in the development of modern physics has been, until the later half of the twentieth century, generally under-appreciated and under-investigated by both historians and philosophers of science. Not only
