[FOM] proofs by contradiction in (classical?) Physics

[Brian White]

On Sep 18, 2011, at 12:41 PM, Fouche wrote:

> Can one use proofs by contradiction in Physics? And if it is possible, why they are so rare? Is there some intrinsical problem in proving a physical fact assuming its contrary? Is it "formally" correct, in the system we use to build physical models? Is the "tertium non datur" true in classical or quantum Physics?

When I was taught classical thermodynamics, a number of the proofs were by contradiction.
Also, don't physicists make statements like "X is impossible because it would violate Y"?



-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: </pipermail/fom/attachments/20110918/53d689c9/attachment-0001.html>