| Unit name | Philosophical Foundations of Physics |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHIL30054 |
| Credit points | 10 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Professor. Ladyman |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
none |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Philosophy |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
The aim of this unit is to explore metaphysical, methodological, epistemological and conceptual issues that arise in modern physics. We focus on quantum mechanics and relativity theory.
Topics covered include: the Copehagen interpretation of quantum mechanics; the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen experiment and Bell’s theorem; locality and action-at-a-distance; the problem of measurement in quantum mechanics and Schroedinger’s cat paradox; the many worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics; causation and chance; space and time in Aristotle’s, Newton’s, and Einstein’s physics; the notion of simultaneity in Einstein’s theory of relativity; and geometry and relativity physics.
On successful completion of this unit, students will:
(1) have developed a sophisticated knowledge of the metaphysical, methodological, epistemological and conceptual issues that arise in modern physics.
(2) have developed a sophisticated knowledge of the literature on these issues
(3) be able to engage philosophically with, analyse, and critically appraise the main arguments in this literature.
(4) be able to demonstrate the sophisticated skills in philosophical writing and argumentation appropriate to level H/6.
1 lecture per week
Examination only (3 hour paper)
