The course is among the characterizing activities of the MA Programme in Philosophical Sciences. It examines themes lying at the borders between our scientific knowledge of the natural world and the philosophical questions raised by the attempt to comprehend the fundamental structure of reality. Through the reading and critical discussion of both advanced texts in the philosophy of science and classic texts in the history of scientific thought, the basic assumptions and import of physics and the other natural sciences will be examined. At a more general level, the course aims to strengthen the competences that are necessary to formulate and evaluate philosophical arguments. At the end of the course, students will have acquired:
- an improved understanding and ability to critically analyse philosophical arguments, in particular about science;
- knowledge of significant episodes in the historical development of modern and contemporary science;
- improved communication and argumentation skills, especially in connection to the issues dealt with during the course;
- ability to read and evaluate the sources of the debate and its most recent developments, both in Italian and in English;
- better presentation and writing skills, in Italian and possibly in English.
- an improved understanding and ability to critically analyse philosophical arguments, in particular about science;
- knowledge of significant episodes in the historical development of modern and contemporary science;
- improved communication and argumentation skills, especially in connection to the issues dealt with during the course;
- ability to read and evaluate the sources of the debate and its most recent developments, both in Italian and in English;
- better presentation and writing skills, in Italian and possibly in English.
teacher profile teaching materials
i) An overview of the historical and conceptual development of physics since Aristotle;
ii) An introduction to the fundamental elements of classical physics (Newtonian mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism) and contemporary physics (special and general relativity, quantum mechanics);
iii) A detailed discussion of the philosophical issues connected to quantum mechanics.
G. Ghirardi, Sneaking a Look at God's Cards, Princeton University Press, chapters 1-11, 15-16; or L.M. Lederman and C.T. Hill, Quantum Physics for Poets, Prometheus Books, chapters 1-7, 9 and the Appendix.
L. Sklar, Philosophy of Physics, Oxford University Press.
Programme
The course will consist in:i) An overview of the historical and conceptual development of physics since Aristotle;
ii) An introduction to the fundamental elements of classical physics (Newtonian mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism) and contemporary physics (special and general relativity, quantum mechanics);
iii) A detailed discussion of the philosophical issues connected to quantum mechanics.
Core Documentation
R. March, Physics for Poets, McGraw-Hill.G. Ghirardi, Sneaking a Look at God's Cards, Princeton University Press, chapters 1-11, 15-16; or L.M. Lederman and C.T. Hill, Quantum Physics for Poets, Prometheus Books, chapters 1-7, 9 and the Appendix.
L. Sklar, Philosophy of Physics, Oxford University Press.
Reference Bibliography
B. Russell, ABC of Relativity, Routledge Classics. W. Heisenberg, Physics and Philosophy, Penguin Classics. R.P. Feynman, R.B. Leighton e M. Sands, The Feynman Lectures on Physics, Basic Books. P.J. Lewis, Quantum Ontology: A Guide to the Metaphysics of Quantum Mechanics, Oxford University Press. J.T. Cushing, Philosophical Concepts in Physics, Cambridge University Press. T. Maudlin, Philosophy of Physics, Volume 1: Space and Time and Volume 2: Quantum Theory, Princeton University Press. P. Kosso, Appearance and Reality: an Introduction to the Philosophy of Physics, Oxford University Press.Type of delivery of the course
The course will consist in traditional lectures. Additional activities might take place online, and further material might also be provided via the Moodle platform. Students will have to submit a written essay. Discussions and oral presentations by the students will be encouraged.Attendance
Not compulsory but recommendedType of evaluation
There will be a final written examination, with 4 or 5 questions to be answered in around 90 minutes. The final evaluation will also be based on a 4000 word essay on a topic to be agreed upon with the teacher responsible. The essay will have to be handed in 10 days before the exam at the latest. Erasmus students will have the opportunity to take the final examination in English.