"Physics: A Science in Quest of an Ontology" by Wolfgang Smith re-examines the foundational assumptions of modern physics through a profound philosophical lens. Critiquing the Cartesian doctrine of "bifurcation," Smith argues that this dualistic framework, especially within quantum theory, has led to significant misunderstandings. Instead, he introduces a lucid, Platonist ontology, positioning the quantum theoretical stratum within a broader hierarchy of being, thus bringing coherence to an otherwise perplexing field.
In this Second Edition, Smith enriches the original text with two new chapters: "Platonist Cosmology: The Long Lost Key" and "On Being and Consciousness." These additions represent the final writings of Professor Wolfgang Smith and are exclusive to this edition, offering readers unprecedented insights into his comprehensive philosophical perspective.
Raphael D.M. De Paola, from the Department of Physics at PUC-Rio, commends the work: "This book crowns Professor Smith’s thirty-year career in the philosophy of science, presenting a solid ontology desperately needed to understand quantum theory."
For readers captivated by the intersection of science and metaphysics, Smith's book delves deeply into these realms. By presenting a Platonist perspective, he offers an innovative approach to resolving the enigmas that have long plagued the understanding of classical and quantum physics. Smith posits that classical physics deals with subcorporeal objects, derived from corporeal entities, while quantum physics addresses entities lacking this ontological grounding, thereby explaining why quantum theory has been so elusive.
Wolfgang Smith, born in Vienna in 1930, has achieved remarkable success across physics, mathematics, and philosophy. Graduating from Cornell University at age 18, Smith’s early career included pioneering work on the re-entry problem for space flight. His academic pursuits culminated in a Ph.D. from Columbia University and a lifelong quest to reconcile scientific inquiry with philosophical depth.
In "Physics: A Science in Quest of an Ontology," Smith synthesizes decades of intellectual exploration into a compelling narrative that challenges contemporary scientific paradigms and expands the boundaries of philosophical thought. His work redefines the relationship between classical and quantum physics, providing a coherent framework that restores depth and meaning to the study of the physical universe.
Engage with "Physics: A Science in Quest of an Ontology" by Wolfgang Smith to explore a groundbreaking approach to understanding the fundamental nature of reality through the lens of Platonist philosophy. This book is essential for anyone seeking to deepen their comprehension of the intricate relationship between physics and ontology.
