In this Book
- Solid State Insurrection: How the Science of Substance Made American Physics Matter
- Book
- 2018
- Published by: University of Pittsburgh Press
summary
Solid state physics, the study of the physical properties of solid matter, was the most populous subfield of Cold War American physics. Despite prolific contributions to consumer and medical technology, such as the transistor and magnetic resonance imaging, it garnered less professional prestige and public attention than nuclear and particle physics.
Solid State Insurrection argues that solid state physics was essential to securing the vast social, political, and financial capital Cold War physics enjoyed in the twentieth century. Solid state’s technological bent, and its challenge to the “pure science” ideal many physicists cherished, helped physics as a whole respond more readily to Cold War social, political, and economic pressures. Its research kept physics economically and technologically relevant, sustaining its cultural standing and policy influence long after the sheen of the Manhattan Project had faded. With this book, Joseph D. Martin brings a new perspective to some of the most enduring questions about the role of physics in American history.
Solid State Insurrection argues that solid state physics was essential to securing the vast social, political, and financial capital Cold War physics enjoyed in the twentieth century. Solid state’s technological bent, and its challenge to the “pure science” ideal many physicists cherished, helped physics as a whole respond more readily to Cold War social, political, and economic pressures. Its research kept physics economically and technologically relevant, sustaining its cultural standing and policy influence long after the sheen of the Manhattan Project had faded. With this book, Joseph D. Martin brings a new perspective to some of the most enduring questions about the role of physics in American history.
Table of Contents
Download Full Book
- Title Page, Copyright Page
- pp. i-vi
- Acknowledgments
- pp. ix-xii
- List of Abbreviations
- pp. xiii-2
- 3. Balkanizing Physics
- pp. 54-75
- 4. The Publication Problem
- pp. 76-101
- 6. Solid State and Materials Science
- pp. 119-134
- 7. Responses to the Reductionist Worldview
- pp. 135-151
- 8. Becoming Condensed Matter Physics
- pp. 152-169
- 9. Mobilizing against Megascience
- pp. 170-198
- Conclusions
- pp. 199-212
- Bibliography
- pp. 243-266
Additional Information
ISBN
9780822986294
Related ISBN(s)
9780822945383, 9780822966036
MARC Record
OCLC
1053572458
Pages
296
Launched on MUSE
2018-09-28
Language
English
Open Access
No
Copyright
2019