historiblogography

Abstract

I have finally finished a rough draft of my research paper.

Abstract: The influential theoretical physicist Julian Schwinger renounced operator field theory – a theory he assisted in developing in the 1940s – and S-matrix theory on philosophical grounds. He felt that the dominant theories made unwarranted assumptions about the nature of reality, and would hinder the development of particle physics. In 1966 he proposed an alternative, source theory, which he believed overcame the philosophical problems. Although this theory was rejected by the physics community, Schwinger held to it steadfast until his death. In 1989, Schwinger embarked on another endeavor which was to be disowned by the physics community at large: he advocated further research in cold fusion. Schwinger's physical and intellectual isolation – partly reflecting his developing philosophy of science – coupled with his rising position in physics, created a space for him to work against the mainstream in the 1960s, when there was a crisis in the high energy physics community. This rebelliousness – spurned on by his philosophy and reception to his source theory concept – continued until his 1994 death. These two episodes also reveal both a conservative and radical strain to how Schwinger felt science should operate.

posted by Sameer @ 4:22 PM