LVC Professor's New Book Takes Fresh Look at Life and Legacy of J. Robert Oppenheimer

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Dr. Michael A. Day, professor of physics at Lebanon Valley College, authored a new book on physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer.

ANNVILLE, PA (11/11/2015)(readMedia)-- Physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, the so-called "father of the atomic bomb," remains a controversial figure among scientists, historians, and the public nearly 50 years after his death.

A new book, The Hope and Vision of J. Robert Oppenheimer, takes a fresh look at Oppenheimer and argues that he has important things to say regarding 21st century issues, including nuclear disarmament, and that his voice should be brought back into the public forum.

Written by Dr. Michael A. Day, professor of physics at Lebanon Valley College, the book incorporates elements from history, science, philosophy, and international relations theory.

Dr. Day, who holds Ph.Ds. in physics and philosophy from the University of Nebraska, brings a unique background and perspective to the book project. He recovers and reconstructs what Oppenheimer said and wrote during the 1940s, 50s, and 60s with the goal of identifying what is of current interest. His book considers not only Oppenheimer's thought, but also his life using philosophical ideas developed by contemporary philosophers.

To deepen and broaden the discussion and demonstrate the relevance of Oppenheimer's vision for the present, Dr. Day analyzes Oppenheimer's views using contemporary international relations theory with a special emphasis on nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament. The book argues that Oppenheimer's thought and reasoning were prescient of current work to control nuclear weapons and move beyond the nuclear revolution.

In 2010, Dr. Day was elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society for his research and publications on American Cold War physicists and their views on science and society. A theoretical physicist, Dr. Day has published in his field as well as in philosophy. He has also received LVC's Vickroy Award, the College's highest recognition for teaching excellence.

The Hope and Vision of J. Robert Oppenheimer, published by World Scientific Publishing, is distributed throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia. It is also available on Amazon.com.