PH301E: PHILOSOPHY OF PHYSICS (2014-2015)

This year the course will focus on the philosophy of quantum mechanics. Quantum mechanics is our most successful physical theory to date. It also constitutes a huge break with the ideas and concepts of physics familiar from Newtonain mechanics or Maxwell’s theory of electromagnetic phenomena. Most of the philosophy of quantum mechanics as developed since the 1960s has been about exploring more realist alternatives to the traditional Copenhagen interpretation (and about trying to figure out what the latter actually was!). The main such approaches are known as: (1) de Broglie and Bohm’s pilot-wave theory, (2) spontaneous collapse theories, (3) many-worlds theories. We shall spend much of the course introducing and discussing these approaches. At the same time, the philosophy and foundations of quantum mechanics (whether practised in philosophy departments or in physics departments) have tried to explore the notions that are presumably truly responsible for the break with the physics of previous centuries, such as entanglement, contextuality, non-locality etc. These provide the basis for some of the newest experimental advances in quantum communication and information, which are likely to be translated into new technology within a few years (e.g. for encryption). We shall spend much of the course also introducing and discussing these concepts. The course will aim at being self-contained and as far as possible elementary, and will not presuppose any knowledge of physics.

Sessions may be held in common with those of the level 5 course on 'Foundations of Physics'. In this case, the minimum number of students required run the course may be lowered. Students are not permitted to register for this course after the end of week 2 of teaching.

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

View PH301E Timetable

More Information about Week Numbers

1st Attempt: Two 2500-word essays (100%)

There are no assessments for this course.

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