monash_163700.pdf (2 MB)
The effectiveness of mathematics in physics
thesis
posted on 2017-03-01, 00:51 authored by McDonnell, Jane FrancesIn this thesis I argue that many problems in the philosophy of science and mathematics (in particular, the unreasonable effectiveness of mathematics in physics) can only be addressed within a broader metaphysical framework which provides a coherent world view. I attempt to develop such a framework and draw out its consequences. The attempt is in two parts: first, I develop a speculative framework based on an analogy to set theory; then I combine elements of the framework with ideas from Leibnizian monadology and consistent histories quantum theory to introduce (what I call) quantum monadology. The two parts focus on different aspects of the problem and should be viewed as stages on the way to a final formulation. The inspiration for the thesis came from Plato’s Timaeus and Wigner’s comments on quantum mechanics. As it turned out, Leibniz’s Monadology became a third key source.
History
Principal supervisor
Graham OppyYear of Award
2015Department, School or Centre
Philosophy, History and International StudiesCourse
Doctor of PhilosophyDegree Type
DOCTORATECampus location
AustraliaFaculty
Faculty of ArtsUsage metrics
Categories
No categories selectedKeywords
Licence
Exports
RefWorks
BibTeX
Ref. manager
Endnote
DataCite
NLM
DC