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
Part A: a detailed overview will first be given of the issue of scientific realism in its historical and theoretical dimension - also with direct reference to significant writings of contemporary philosophers; the realism/antirealism dispute will then be looked at from the perspective of the special sciences.
Part B: an introduction to quantum mechanics, with special focus on the conceptual issues it raises, especially in connection with the notion of realism; a presentation of the various interpretations of the theory, and of its main metaphysical implications.
P. Dicken, A Critical Introduction to Scientific Realism, Bloomsbury, or, S. Psillos, Scientific Realism. How Science Tracks Truth, Routledge.
I. Hacking, Representing and Intervening, Cambridge University Press.
B. Van Fraassen, The Scientific Image, Oxford University Press.
Part B:
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 be divided into two submodules:Part A: a detailed overview will first be given of the issue of scientific realism in its historical and theoretical dimension - also with direct reference to significant writings of contemporary philosophers; the realism/antirealism dispute will then be looked at from the perspective of the special sciences.
Part B: an introduction to quantum mechanics, with special focus on the conceptual issues it raises, especially in connection with the notion of realism; a presentation of the various interpretations of the theory, and of its main metaphysical implications.
Core Documentation
Part A:P. Dicken, A Critical Introduction to Scientific Realism, Bloomsbury, or, S. Psillos, Scientific Realism. How Science Tracks Truth, Routledge.
I. Hacking, Representing and Intervening, Cambridge University Press.
B. Van Fraassen, The Scientific Image, Oxford University Press.
Part B:
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
Part A: J. Leplin (ed.), Scientific Realism, University of California Press. A. Chakravartty, Scientific Realism, entry on the Stanford Encyclopedia of philosophy. J. Worrall, Structural Realism: The Best of Both Worlds, Dialectica, 43, 99-124 (1989). Stanford, K., Exceeding our Grasp: Science, History, and the Problem of Unconcealed Alternatives, Oxford University Press. Part B: 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
Attendance, either in person (preferred) or online is not compulsory but recommended.Type of evaluation
There will be a final written examination, with 4 or 5 questions to be answered in around 90 minutes. Erasmus students will have the opportunity to take the final examination in English.