The Structure of Physics

Carl Friedrich von Weizsäcker‘s "Aufbau der Physik", first published in 1985, was intended as an overview of his lifelong concern: an understanding of the unity of physics. That is, the idea of a quantum theory of binary alternatives (the so-called ur-theory), a unified quantum theoretical framework in which spinorial symmetry groups are considered to give rise to the structure of space and time.
The book saw numerous reprints, but it was published in German only.

The present edition, in English, provides a newly arranged and revised version, in which some original chapters and sections have been deleted, and a new chapter about further insights and results of ur-theoretic research of the late 1980’s and 1990’s, mainly by the work of Thomas Görnitz, has been included, as well as a general introduction to Weizsäcker’s Philosophy of Physics.

Carl Friedrich von Weizsäcker also enjoys high esteem by a much broader audience for his socio-cultural, political and religious thoughts and writings. In him the intercultural and interdisciplinary dialogue has found one of its most important proponents: a great thinker who combines the perspectives of science, philosophy, religion and politics with a view towards the challenges as well as the responsibilities of our time.

Original title: Aufbau der Physik - Carl Friedrich von Weizsäcker - © Carl Hanser Verlag München Wien 1985

• Classical point mechanics
• Cosmology
• Non-Euclidan geometry
• Particles
• Quantum Theory
• RMS
• Relativity
• Second quantization
• electrodynamics
• entropy
• mechanics
• philosophy of science
• probability
• theory of relativity
• thermodynamics

From the reviews:

"This book’s strength lies in the connections made between different theories like classical mechanics, thermodynamics, relativity theory, and so forth. … The book attempts to outline a program for a unified world theory similar to string theory. … A very stimulating book. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students through professionals." (O. Boser, CHOICE, Vol. 44 (11), July, 2007)

"Carl Friedrich von Weizsäcker is certainly one of the most distinguished German physicists and philosophers of the 20^th century … . The Structure of Physics should be of value to anybody with interests in physics, its history, or its philosophy, since it contains far more than the particular focus on the ur theory … . The hard cover book is nicely edited following Springer’s high-quality standards." (Roland Carchon, Physicalia Magazine, Vol. 29 (4), 2007)

"The present book contains an overview of von Weizsäcker’s considered thoughts on a widerange of basic aspect of physics … . It will be a valuable addition to libraries since it records the mature views and perspectives of a figure who walked at the centre of the mid-century stage of physics … . The book is certainly very thought-provoking and many of its sections are well worth careful study. It is good to have this material made available to a broader readership." (Peter Bussey, Contemporary Physics, Vol. 48 (3), 2007)

• University of Frankfurt, Germany

  Thomas Görnitz

• University of Bonn, Germany

  Holger Lyre

Policies and ethics