Objectives

• To introduce some of the central problems in the Philosophy of Physics

• To approach the problem of the status of space and time in classical and relativistic physics.

• To discuss the different interpretations of Quantum Mechanics.

Contents

Introduction. What is Philosophy of Physics.

1. Philosophy of space-time.

   1. Introduction. What is motion?

   2. Cartesian space.

   3. Newtonian space.

   4. The Leibniz-Clark dispute.

   5. Machian critique.

   6. Special Relativity.

   7. General Relativity.

   
   

2. Philosophy of Quantum Mechanics

   1. Introduction. The origins of quantum theory.

   2. Quantum phenomena.

   3. Mathematical formalism of Quantum Mechanics.

   4. Non-locality. EPR and Bell inequalities.

   5. The measurement problem.

   6. Interpretations: Copenhagen, Bohm and Many-worlds.

1. Philosophy of Statistical Mechanics

   1. Thermodynamics.

   2. Statistical Mechanics.

   3. Irreversibility.

   4. Time´s asymmetries.

Bibliography

Albert, D. Quantum Mechanics and Experience. Harvard University Press, 1992. 

Albert, D. Time and Chance. Harvard University Press, 2002. 

Earman, J. World Enough and Espace-Time. Absolute versus Relational Theories of Space and Time. The MIT Press, 1989. 

Einstein, A. et al. The Principle of Relativity. Dover, 1952. 

Einstein, A. Sobre la teoría de la relatividad especial y general. Alianza Editorial, 1984. 

Geroch, R. Relativity from A to B. University of Chicago Press, 1989. 

Hughes, R. I. G. (1992) The Structure and Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics. Harvard University Press.

Lange, M. An Introduction to the Philosophy of Physics. Blackwell, 2002. 

Newton. The Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy. 

Price, H. Time's Arrow and Archimedes Point. New Directions for the Physics of Time. Oxford University Press, 1996. 

Rae, A. (2012) Quantum Mechanics: Illusion or Reality? Cambridge University Press.

Sklar, L. Philosophy of Physics. Oxford University Press, 1992. (Hay traducción española).

Wallace, D. (2012) The Emergent Multiverse: Quantum Theory According to the Everett Interpretation. Oxford University Press.

Skills 

 Basic skills:

BS6: To have a strong enough knowledge base to be able to innovate in the development and/or implementation of ideas, especially for research purposes.
BS7: The ability to apply the knowledge acquired and to solve problems in new or little known areas within wider (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their field of study. The ability to integrate knowledge and deal with the complexities of forming opinions based on incomplete or limited information, including reflections on social responsibilities and ethics related to the application of their expertise and judgements.
BS9: The ability to clearly and unambiguously express conclusions,stating the knowledge and reasons behind them, to specialized and non-specialized audiences.
GS1: The ability to produce readable, detailed and technically correct documents and research work that meets the current international standards for the disciplines.
Specific skills:
SS1: The ability to identify traditional and current knowledge specific to the field of logic and philosophy of science, as well as the different trends of thought and tradition involved.
SS2: Mastery of the analytical tools provided by philosophy to facilitate the clear identification of the semantic, logical, epistemological, ontological, axiological and ethical factors the are exist in the fields of science and technology. 

Teaching methodology 
On-site theoretical classes for each of the topics dealt with. Structure: a) Introduction to the topic, guidelines and description of the main contents; b) Provision of complementary material to facilitate students' preparation of the subject, and guidance on the nature and contents of the main sources.
Papers, seminars and complementary activities: Students are expected to a) produce an individual paper, supervised by the teacher and to be later submitted for its assessment; b) attend seminars on specific topics and participate in the processes of skill acquisition, exchange of ideas and experiences, teamwork dynamics and public expression; c) analyse and discuss documents and articles on specific topics.
Tutoring sessions:
Their purpose is to monitor students' understanding of the subject matter presented and to clarify doubts and answer questions about the contents of each of the topics dealt within the course. This encourages teacher-student communication, which helps students in their learning process and in the production of papers.

Assessment 

  Assessment is mainly based on class participation and on the practical exercises to be done during lectures or tutoring sessions. The final degree paper will consist of the production of the final master's degree project. The weight of each of these activities on the final grade will be as follows:

  Attendance and participation in class and in tutoring sessions: 10%

 Coursework follow-up 50 %

Final paper: 40%

 Study and individual work 

Theoretical/Master classes:
On-site: 10 hours

Total individual work: 10 hours

Tutoring sessions:
Face-to-face: 15 hours

Total individual work: 15 hours

Course work monitoring (reading guides and/or summaries of compulsory readings; practical work or exercises):
On-site: 12 hours

Total individual work: 31 hours

Final paper supervised by the teacher:
On-site: 4 hours

Total individual work: 28 hours

Overview:
Total: 125 hours

Total face-to-face and on-site: 41 hours

Total individual work: 84 hours