Description

This course offers an introduction to the philosophy of physics, which deals with methodological, epistemological, and metaphysical issues in physics. It consists of six modules offering a rich menu in philosophically deep questions arising in modern physics, concentrating on space and time in classical physics and in special and general relativity (and beyond), and quantum mechanics, the measurement problem and quantum non-locality.

The six modules are as follows:

  1. Introduction: what is philosophy of physics, how did modern physics emerge, and what is determinism?
  2. Substantivalism vs relationalism: Newton, Leibniz, and time in Newtonian physics in general
  3. Time in special relativity: relativity of simultaneity, Minkowski spacetime, and implications for the metaphysics of time
  4. Time in general relativity, cosmology, and beyond
  5. Quantum mechanics: phenomena and theory
  6. Quantum mechanics: the measurement problem and quantum non-locality

Accessibility and Prerequisites. This course will be self-contained and has no prerequisites. While some background in physics, mathematics, and philosophy will be helpful, I will not assume any specific knowledge beyond high school mathematics.

This course will be taught in English.

Recommended Texts

  • Nick Huggett. Everywhere and Everywhen: Adventures in Physics and Philosophy. Oxford University Press (2010).
  • Most reading materials are available through icorsi.

Course Requirements and Evaluation

The grade for this course is based on an essay of approximately 3,000 to 3,500 words to be submitted by 30 April 2025 at the latest. I expect to receive essays which are well-structured, clearly argued, and show signs of independent thinking.

Topics for the essays are given in the following document:

Course Materials

Course materials such as lecture notes, handouts, etc will be made available as they will be used in class.