| Popis: |
The relevance of causality, explanations, and the search for truth are discussed against the background that the key objectives of fundamental research in physics are gaining, structuring, and securing knowledge. Necessary conditions for the existence of causal connections are given which prove that causality plays at best a marginal role in physics. Eight types of explanations are defined, and their relevance for physics discussed. A concept of truth is developed that focuses on the capabilities of the physical methods and enables a reasonable definition of the concept of a true theory. Finally, various steps are elaborated which establish physical reality in such a way that this reality is a consistent combination of construction and discovery. |
