The Logical Leap

Induction in Physics

By: David Harriman

Narrated by: Erik Singer

Length: 10 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

A groundbreaking solution to the problem of induction, based on Ayn Rand's theory of concepts.

Inspired by and expanding on a series of lectures presented by Leonard Peikoff, David Harriman presents a fascinating answer to the problem of induction-the epistemological question of how we can know the truth of inductive generalizations. Ayn Rand presented her revolutionary theory of concepts in her book Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology. As Dr. Peikoff subsequently explored the concept of induction, he sought out David Harriman, a physicist who had taught philosophy, for his expert knowledge of the scientific discovery process. Here, Harriman presents the result of a collaboration between scientist and philosopher.

Beginning with a detailed discussion of the role of mathematics and experimentation in validating generalizations in physics-looking closely at the reasoning of scientists such as Galileo, Kepler, Newton, Lavoisier, and Maxwell-Harriman skillfully argues that the inductive method used in philosophy is in principle indistinguishable from the method used in physics.

©2010 David Harriman (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Great book

Great listen that is essential for navigating the dominant theories. The narrator's imitated accents seemed unnecessary but otherwise perfect.

Surprisingly engaging

When I got this book, I had some doubts that it won't be easy to follow. especially that I listen to my audio books while driving through the video game-like traffic of Beijing. But, I was pleasantly surprised to how easy it was to listen to. I studied.., or rather memorized many of these theories at school, but it was intriguing to hear how these theories came about. it is the story behind the theories, and the philosophical presentation of how the theories connected that was very engaging. I also loved how the narrators impersonated the accent of the scientist that he is quoting. i.e. using Italian accent when quoting Amedeo Avogadro.

Quite refreshing

This was quite a refreshing read and I think an excellent start on a reality based philosophy of science. Having read Kuhn and other philosophers of science and thinking "WTF?!" as I was reading them, this book clearly delineates the point where they said good by to reality and why their philosophies seem to wander into relativism and contradiction.

If you are struggling with Kuhn or the nature of science, read this book.

The only thing that I could have done with less of was the constant almost sycophantic mentioning of Rand. I enjoy her philosophy, but this type of almost worshipful behavior is why people classify try to classify objectivism as a cult. Please stop, her ideas stand on their own. No worship is required.

Fascinating, profound philosophical work

Would you listen to The Logical Leap again? Why?

This book is a profound exploration of one of philosophy's most challenging problems: The epistemological problem of inductive logic, and the establishment of truths about the material world. Harriman shows, using intensive explorations of the experimental science of Galileo, Newton, Watterston, and other scientists, how scientific laws and theories can be proven. I have listened to it three times, learning new things each time, and deepening my understanding of both the matter of the book, science itself, and logic.

Have you listened to any of Erik Singer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

The narrator does a fantastic job. His pace is perfect, and his inflection is natural. He doesn't seem to be reading.

Physics is dead. Long live physics!

If you can get around Objectivism's irresistible urge to slander Christianity wherever it may be found, blame it for every evil and ignore its every virtue, this book could add much to your understanding of how we have arrived at a place where leading physicist demy the law of identity, the law of causality and the law of non-contradiction.

Trace the effects of logical positivism as relates to modern quantum physics and learn how this sticky subject of inductive logic works with reference to the supposedly hard sciences.

If you don't have a philosophy of science, (and who but philosophers do?) you cannot afford to avoid asking these questions and confronting the history of scientific investigation.

Wonderful journey through scientific history

This is a very well written and brilliantly conceived book. I am very interested in sciences, and have studied science most of my life, so I found this subject very appealing. However, I think it is still very accessible for those with less of a background in science.

On one hand, it weaves a fantastic journey through the history of great science. Hundreds of years of experiment and discovery that come across so beautifully. This is expertly tied to philosophical references and counterpoints throughout. So beyond a story of the development of what we now consider basic knowledge (which alone would be interesting enough), we also learn about the logical and correct way that people can use observation and experimentation to derive universal truths. We also learn when to dismiss what cannot be true.

The narrator, on the whole, does a great job. He has a good reading voice that is easy to follow and listen to. However, he uses very theatrical accents when reading quotations. No doubt they are very good accents, and suit those figures who first spoke them, but they distract immensely from the information that is being conveyed to the listener. That is my only complaint.

In summary, it's a great combination of amazing science, amazing characters, and valuable lessons of logic and inductive reasoning. I also appreciate that the structure of approach of this subject is related to Ayn Rand's philosophy and reasoning. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in science, history, philosophy, or thinking in general.

Interesting but Naive...

As an overview of the inductive scientific method and a selected history of science this was an interesting listen. As a foundation for a philosophy of science, it is weak. As a critique of modern physic theoretical methods it is na??ve.

The author states that ???Theoretical physicists???have rejected causality in favor of chance, logic in favor of contradictions, and reality in favor of fantasy. The science of physics is now riddled with claims that are as absurd as those of any religious cult.??? Well, this is true, but it is not due to improper method or a lack of trying. Experiments have led to this very uncomfortable position. The author justifiably derides string theory, but less justifiably derides quantum theory in general, wondering why Bohm???s quantum theory is not more studied. Bohm???s theory is interesting (and has been studied), but does not have testable differences and is less easily used for predictions, thus it has been set aside (not rejected). Bohm???s theory is just one among myriads of untestable and less practical quantum theories. Great minds (including Einstein???s) have striven for generations to suggest experiments to clarify the quantum world, to little avail. The author generally describes scientific induction (which is interesting) but such induction is only one tool of scientific progress and induction has, in fact, been stymied for generations by a universe that is stranger than we had imagined.

I am a fan of Ayn Rand as a novelist, and a thinker, not quite as a philosopher, and definitely not a scientist. One of the few weaknesses of Rand???s mind was a narrowness of perspective that seems to be reflected in this book. The narration is excellent.

I found "The Trouble with Physics" a more penetrating review of the issues facing modern physics.

Interesting stuff, requires a patient listner

I do understand why the narrator found it necessary to imitate the Ayn Rand's Russian accent. I found this annoying and distracting.

The story is dry.

Philosophy is a strong word

Surely there must be some minimum standard for a book to be called philosophy - If The Logical Leap is a book on the Philosophy of Science then Chicken Soup for the Soul is book on Moral Philosophy. David Harriman thanks the Ayn Rand society for funding his writing and thinking (again a rather strong choice of words). Perhaps the Society will get a good return on their investment but in an intellectual sense - as with Chicken Soup - this is a failure of the market. - So we are told that everything can be proven with certainty when based on Sense Perceptions - which are "self evident" - well yes they are evident to the self who perceives them - but that does not mean they are a true representation of reality - nor that the inductive relationships we perceive between them are true or better than all other possible constructs. This book would make an interesting psychological study on Confirmation Bias - it could only be believed if you really really wanted to believe it - or were paid to. I must admit I couldn't finish it - but in the spirit of Ayn Rand I will if someone will pay me (really really well). . .

I think John Galt would love this book

Before I begin my review, I will admit that I was not able to get significantly into the book before I had to stop listening. My free time is too limited and precious, and I couldn't waste it finishing this book.

For those (like myself) who consider Ayn Rand to be the baby boomers' version of Ann Coulter, it is hard to take seriously any piece of work that was funded by an institute in her name. The book begins by presenting an absurd and indefensible premise, and then proceeds to refute it anyway. The indefensible premise is that science can't prove anything, and the author starts in with the whole "if science can't prove anything then how did men ever walk on the moon" thing. At that point I realized the book wasn't for me. I was hoping for something akin to Kuhn's 'The Structure of Scientific Revolutions', but I don't think this is it. I will say again however, I did not get far into the book.

If Ayn Rand is your thing then I say go for it. On the other hand, if you believe that Ayn Rand wrote fluffy soft core porn for rich insecure people, then you might want to preview this book carefully before purchasing it. I wish I had.