Jamiescott Posted November 13, 2007 Share Posted November 13, 2007 Hello, Can anyone help me find out who has written on the questions of anthropomorphism in physics? I have found that even such respected physicists as R. Feynman, in his QED (perhaps his most accessible work) speaks of photons "knowing" and "deciding" whether to reflect from a glass surface. Typically, chemistry lessons concerning how electrons fill shells use language such as, "the atom 'wants' to have a full outer shell..." etc. I am trying to teach my youngster something about these matters and am struggling with the language as I don't want to ascribe an agency to atomic and sub-atomic particles that they simply don't have. This has stimulated my own interest in the subject but the literature is vast and I have no idea where to look for adult discussions on this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Skeptic Posted November 13, 2007 Share Posted November 13, 2007 So long as you remember that the antropomorphizing is a metaphor, you will be fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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