88008 - Phylosophy and Basics of Physics

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will know: - key concepts in the philosophy of science, such as natural law, scientific explanation, theory, experimental control and representation of reality; -open problems in the foundations of physics, such as quantum non-locality, quantum measurement, the incompatibility between general relativity and quantum mechanics, the cosmological principle; - the contribution of current physical theories to major philosophical questions, such as determinism, the nature of space-time, the part-whole relationship, causality, and the origins of the universe. Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to: - understand the philosophical aspects of research in physics; - put in evidence the epistemological premises of a technical problem in theoretical or experimental physics; - use symbolic logic to address questions of the foundations of physics; - explicate their epistemological position and position themselves critically with respect to the issues and methods of advanced research in physics.

Course contents

A list of possible topics. The final selection will be made in discussion with the students.

1. Philosophy of Classical Mechanics

1.1 Different formulations of the theory

1.2 Galilean spacetime

2. Special Relativity

2.1 The reality of spacetime

2.2 The dynamical approach

2.3 Special relativity and the A-theory of time

3. General Relativity

3.1 The equivalence principle

3.2 The hole argument

4. Quantum Mechanics

4.1 Bell’s inequality

4.2 Quantum decoherence

5. Statistical Mechanics

5.1 The Boltzmannian approach

5.2 The Gibbsian approach

5.3 The direction of time

6. Physics and Society

6.1 The development of the atomic bomb and the responsibility of scientists

6.2 Science denial in Italy over the last hundred years

6.3 Images of science and misinformation

Readings/Bibliography

V. Fano, Comprendere la scienza, Liguori

E. Cinti, M. Sanchioni, I paradossi dei buchi neri, Carocci, 2022.

D. Wallace, Philosophy of physics. A very short introduction, OUP

Teaching methods

Frontal lecture and term paper presentations by students.

Assessment methods

For those attending 3 questions on the topics listed. Each is worth up to 12 points.


Students who submit a paper in class have a bonus of 1 to 3 points.


For non-attending students 3 questions on the books in the bibliography, each worth up to 12 points.

 

Students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) or temporary/permanent disabilities are advised to contact the University Office responsible in a timely manner (https://site.unibo.it/ studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/ en [https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en] ). The office will be responsible for proposing any necessary accommodations to the students concerned. These accommodations must be submitted to the instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance, and will be evaluated in light of the learning objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

Materials in the IOL plattform

Office hours

See the website of Vincenzo Fano