The Crisis in Physics

Description

Christopher Caudwell's The Crisis in Physics is a stylish and readable analysis of the lines of connection between scientific theories and economic realities. Caudwell provides a trenchant critique of mechanism and positivism. In the words of J. B. S. Haldane, The Crisis in Physics offers a 'quarry of ideas' for future philosophers: a wealth of insights and arguments that demand and deserve continuing critical reflection.

Christopher Caudwell was the pen name of Christopher St. John Sprigg, a self-taught polymath and active member of the Poplar Branch of the Communist Party. Caudwell was killed in action on February 12th 1937, and all his significant works on literature, aesthetics, philosophy, science, history, religion and many other topics were published posthumously. Caudwell remains an interesting and controversial figure in the history of British Marxism.

In the range that it demanded of itself, [Caudwell's] oeuvre was indeed ingenious. But as the achievement of two short, crowded years it is remarkable. The Marxist criticism of culture is not so far advanced or so self-sufficient that it can afford to ignore it. -- Francis Mulhern * New Left Review * Caudwell criticised, brilliantly and destructively, the philosophical conclusions of bourgeois scientists. -- J. D. Bernal He wrote prolifically, in the most astonishing outpouring of creative energy, and produced serious Marxist theoretical works that can only be described as original and breathtakingly brilliant. -- Helena Sheehan, Marxism and the Philosophy of Science: A Critical History Caudwell's style is fluent, cogent and assertive -- E. P. Thompson, historian and author, The Making of the English Working Class