Truth, Reality, and Objectivity: Philosophical Themes in Physics
A First Year Seminar
Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:00 to 09:15 in Olin 105
Instructor
Daniel Kim-Shapiro
Department of Physics
Room 208 Olin Physical Lab
758-4993
Office hours: Monday 9:00-10:00 AM and 2:00 - 3:00 PM, Wednesday 9:00-10:00 AM and 2:00 - 3:00 PM or by appointment
shapiro@wfu.edu [Prefered method of
contact]
Synopsis
Is all truth relative, contingent on social and historical factors? Does it make sense to speak of what is "real", independently of what anybody says or thinks? Is objectivity ever a reasonable goal? We will consider these philosophical questions with reference to natural science generally and quantum mechanics in particular, a field which poses acute challenges for traditional understandings of reality and objectivity.
Texts
Philosophy
of Natural Science, by C.G. Hempel
The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, by T.S. Kuhn
Philosophical Concepts in Physics, by J. T. Cushing
Quantum Reality, by N. Herbert
Learning
Outcomes
By the end of this course, students should be able to analyze positions on the material below, think about them critically, and argue for their position
1. Understanding the scientific method
2. Whether Science discovers the truth, describes realty, If and how the scientific process is objective
3. Have a good understanding of the basic aspects of classical and quantum mechanics and the philosophical implications of these theories.
4. Understand how Thomas Kuhn views progress in science in normal science and through revolutions.
Grading
|
Pre-class write-ups1 |
15% |
|
Class Participation2 |
20% |
|
Midterm (3/2) |
15% |
|
3 papers3 |
30% |
|
Final (Dec 9 at 7 PM) |
20% |
1.
For each section,
each student will have to come prepared with written answers to the discussion questions.
The write-ups need not be wordy. They only need to provide information that can
be used to help answer the questions during the discussions. Students will be
expected to e-mail writeups or hand in photocopied versions of these write-ups
in the beginning of each class that begins a new section.
2.
Questions used
for writeups, in-class discussion, and exams will be posted under course
documents. You should prepare for class discussion by making notes of your
answers to these questions. The number of times you participate in class will
be recorded and some assessment of the quality of your participation will also
be noted. Each student will be expected to lead in-class discussions on a
rotating basis. The discussion leader will be expected to meet with an
instructor prior to class to make sure that (s)he has prepared properly. The
discussion leader is welcome to prepare additioal
questions to those posted by the instructors in Canvas. Implicit
in class particpation being graded is the notion that attendance is required.
If you are absent due to illness, a University event (eg Debate or Sports) or
another excusable reason, contact me to arrange excused absence.
3. Papers will be written in class. You will be allowed to use your notes and books but will not be able to access your phones or computers. The handwritten papers will be graded and returned to you. You will then upload the paper into Gemini (or another approved AI bot) and ask Gemini to revise the paper. You will then evaluate Gemini's work. You will hand in the entire Gemini session as well as your critique. Your grade for each paper will be equally split between the in-class grade and Gemini/critique
Due dates for readung and assignments will be provided in Canvas. The schedule of (approximately weekly) topics and associated discussion leaders is at Topic and leader schedule
Late Policy: Up to 10% off will be applied for late work
Class Recording Policy: I am open to students recording our class sessions to help with studying and review. However, our classroom must remain a safe space for open discussion. You may only record audio or video if every student present in the room agrees to it. If a peer expresses discomfort or asks to stop recording during a discussion, you must turn off your device immediately. Students who generally object to recording by another student or object for certain classes can let me know and I will enforce a ban on recording. Any authorized recordings are strictly for your personal, educational use and cannot be shared online or with anyone outside this class.
Accommodations for Religious or Spiritual Practices: Wake Forest University benefits from the multitude of faiths and spiritual identities held by members of our learning community. Our institution values this religious and spiritual diversity and supports providing academic accommodations to students for religious or spiritual observations. Should you need such accommodations this semester, you should email me beforehand so that accomodatioins can be made.
Academic Integrity:Wake Forest University is committed to a culture of academic integrity. As a part of this community, you share the responsibility for creating a place of honesty, intellectual curiosity, and individual accountability. As you committed to with your honor pledge signature, you agree “not to deceive any member of the community; not to steal, cheat, or plagiarize on academic work; and not to engage in any other form of academic misconduct.” If you have questions about documenting your work, working with external sources, working with peers on assigned work, etc., consult with me as soon as possible. Instances of academic dishonesty will be referred to the Honor and Ethics Council.
Accomodations: Wake Forest University provides reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Academic accommodations are coordinated through the Center for Learning, Access, and Student Success (CLASS). If you would like to request accommodations for this course, you should contact CLASS as early in the semester as possible (class.wfu.edu,118 Reynolda Hall). Please contact me privately after sending notifications through the CLASS office Student Portal system. Retroactive accommodations will not be provided.
ACADEMIC RESOURCES
Center for Learning, Access, and Student Success (CLASS): CLASS provides
academic support for any graduate or undergraduate student who is interested in
refining their study skills, time management, and organizational strategies.
Academic
Coaching: Meet with an academic coach on a regular basis to help keep your
academics on track
Outreach
Workshop Series (OWLS): a monthly workshop series. Topics are related
to learning and provide practical strategies you can use.
Wake Study Space: Looking for a quiet and private place to study or
participate in your synchronous online coursework? Want to reserve a College classroom? Need a late night
study spot? Reserve
using this link.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
University Counseling Center: Schedule an appointment and access self-help
resources. Learn
more at this link.
Safe Office: The Safe
Office provides confidential crisis response and on-going support for
students with concerns related to interpersonal violence. Call their
24-hour helpline: (336)758-5285.
Crisis Assistance: Wake Forest Crisis
Assistance is available 24 hours a day for urgent mental health needs.
Call (336) 758-5273.
EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Chaplain's Emergency Fund: Students can contact the Chaplain's
Emergency Fund to request financial assistance of up to $500 in times
of disaster, personal emergencies, and/or unanticipated financial hardships.