David Hilbert and the axiomatization of physics (1894--1905) (Q1365111)

This study is centered around Hilbert's sixth problem: ``to treat in the same manner as geometry by means of axioms, those physical sciences in which mathematics plays an important part''. Usually, Hilbert's work is divided into 5 periods; within these his physical period was his last one, it took place from 1910 to 1922. But, this is only true for the publications. Hilbert was interested in physics on from the beginnings of his scientific career. Among the predecessors of Hilbert who intended to present a physical discipline based on axioms, there has to be mentioned Heinrich Hertz and his ``Principles of Mechanics''. According to him mechanics constitute the most basic discipline in physics. Hertz pointed out that principles are equivalent to any propositions from which the whole of mechanics can be developed. As far as axiomatisation is concerned Hilbert was not only influenced by mathematicians like Pasch and others but also by physicists like Hertz. Further there has to be mentioned Hilbert's constant contact with the Königsberg physicists Carl Neumann and Paul Volkmann. Their ideas most probably also affected Hilbert. Hilbert gave his first lecture on mechanics in Göttingen during the winter semester 1898-1899. He stressed the affinity between geometry and natural sciences and the important role of axiomatisation. In a course on Euclidean geometry in 1899 he characterized geometry as ``the most perfect of natural sciences'' (p.108/9). As a consequence he formulated his sixth problem. His main ideas were given in full length during his lecture on mechanics during the winter semester 1905/06 which is not published until now. For the first time there is presented a detailed analysis of this course (p. 123-183). As one can see, independence, completeness and consistency did not play the same role in physics as in geometry. In the case of thermodynamics for example independence of the axioms was only stated but not proved, in other physical disciplines it was barely mentioned. This lecture allows an intriguing picture of Hilbert's knowledge of physics. But, Hilbert's view did not gain widespread acceptance among physicists. In 1927, however, \textit{G. Hamel} published a long article on axiomatisation in the ``Handbuch der Physik'' (JFM 53.0725.02) where he not only mentioned Hilbert's work on geometry but also on mechanics. In this thorough and fundamental study it is shown that ``Hilbert's own conception of mathematics cannot be complete without taking into account his views on physical issues and the relationship between mathematics and physics'' (p. 187).