Philosophy of Physics

Philosophy of Physics

Tim Maudlin

We will investigate different approaches to understanding space and time, and how the account of space-time structure has evolved in physics. One of the main objectives is to have a clear and accurate understanding of the Special Theory of Relativity, detailed enough to allow the student to solve some physics problems. This will require a bit of mathematics, but not more than algebra. We will discuss the General Theory of Relativity in a more qualitative way, including an account of the structure of black holes.

Philosophy students do not need any further background in physics or mathematics, and physics students will not benefit from greater mathematical sophistication. We will also study the relevant history of physics and philosophy, particularly the debate between Newton and Leibniz about the nature of space and time.

There will be two lectures each week and a recitation section.

Books: Geroch, R. General Relativity from A to B. Physics text, light on mathematics

Huggett, N. (ed.) Space from Zeno to Einstein. Historical texts and philosophical commentary

Maudlin, T. Philosophy of Physics: Space and Time. Introduction to various space-time structures, and historical overview.

Sklar, L. Space, Time, and Spacetime. Conceptual and philosophical approaches to the physics.

Grading: Grading will be based on three short (4 page) expository papers (5% each), three problems sets (5% each), a midterm (25%), a final (35%) and class participation (10%).

1/26 Introduction

1/28 Aristotle’s account of space and time. Maudlin Chapter 1 (pp. 1-16), Aristotle Physics Book IV chapters 1-5 (Huggett pp. 53-60), commentary by Huggett (Huggett pp. 72-83)

2/2 Descartes and Newton on the nature of motion. Descartes, selections from The Principles of Philosophy, Newton, de Gravitatione and Scholium on space and time (Huggett, pp. 89-125)

2/4 Newton’s bucket argument and the First and Second Laws of Motion. Maudlin Chapter 2 (pp. 17-46)

2/9 Thinking in terms of space-time. Geroch Chapters 1-2 (pp. 3-36)

2/11 Leibnizian Relationism. The Leibniz-Clarke Correspondence (Huggett chapter 8, pp. 143-168) First expository paper due (4 pages)

2/16 President’s Day (no class)

2/18 Relationism vs. Substantivalism about space and time. Sklar Chapter 3, Section A, B and C (pp. 157-194)

2/23 Galilean Space-Time. Maudlin, chapter 3 (pp. 47-68), Sklar Chapter 3, section D (pp. 194-206)

2/25 More on Galilean Space-Time. Geroch Chapter 3 and 4 (pp. 37-62)

3/2 Introduction to Special Relativity. Maudlin Chapter 4 (pp. 66-105)

3/4 Special Relativity. Geroch, Chapter 5 (pp. 67-112)

3/9 Problems in Special Relativity. Geroch chapter 6 (pp. 113-158). First Problem set due.

3/11 The physics of space-time measurement. Maudlin Chapter 5 (pp. 106-125)

3/16 Spring Break

3/18 Spring Break

3/23 Review, second problem set due

3/25 Midterm Exam

3/30 Introduction to Non-Euclidean Geometry. Sklar Chapter 2, Section A and B (pp. 9-54)

4/1 The Basic Concepts of General Relativity. Sklar Chapter 2, Sections C and D (pp. 55-78)

4/6 Einstein’s Field Equation. Geroch Chapter 7 (pp. 159-185). Third problem set due.

4/8 Black Holes. Geroch Chapter 8 (pp. 196-221)

4/13 More General Relativity Maudlin Chapter 6 (pp. 126-152), Abramowicz “Black Holes and the Centrifugal Force Paradox”

4/15 Mach on Inertia. Huggett Chapter 8 (pp. 169-188). Second Expository paper due.

4/20 Some Unusual Space-Times. Maudlin Chapter 7 (pp. 153-169)

4/22 Logical Issues in Time Travel. David Lewis “The Paradoxes of Time travel”

4/27 Physical Issues in Time Travel. Arntzenius and Maudlin “Time Travel and Modern Physics”. Third Expository Paper Due.

4/29 The Direction of Time. Sklar Chapter 5, Sections A and B (pp. 351-371)

5/4 Statistical Physics and the Direction of Time. Sklar Chapter 5, sections C-F (pp. 372- 411)

5/6 Boltzmann and the Second Law of Thermodynamics. Joel Lebowitz “Boltzmann’s Entropy and Time’s Arrow”

5/11 Review