Philosophy of Physics

6 EC

Semester 1, period 2

5354PHPH6Y

Owner Master Physics and Astronomy (joint degree)
Coordinator dr. Sebastian De Haro Ollé
Part of Master Physics and Astronomy, track Theoretical Physics, Master Physics and Astronomy (joint degree), track General Physics and Astronomy,

Course manual 2024/2025

Study materials

Literature

  • Selected papers and sources, on Canvas

Syllabus

  • On Canvas

Objectives

  • The student has achieved knowledge of central debates in contemporary philosophy of physics.
  • The student is able to critically analyse the foundations of physical theories.
  • The student is able to formulate a well-argued view on open questions in current physics.

Teaching methods

  • Lecture
  • Presentation/symposium
  • Working independently on e.g. a project or thesis

Learning activities

Activity

Hours

Hoorcollege

14

Tentamen

2

Werkcollege

14

Self study

138

Total

168

(6 EC x 28 uur)

Attendance

Requirements concerning attendance (OER-B).

  • In addition to, or instead of, classes in the form of lectures, the elements of the master’s examination programme often include a practical component as defined in article A-1.2 of part A. The course catalogue contains information on the types of classes in each part of the programme. Attendance during practical components is mandatory.

    • Assessment

    Item and weight Details

    Final grade

    2 (20%)

    Presentations

    4 (40%)

    Project

    4 (40%)

    Tentamen

    Fraud and plagiarism

    The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

    Course structure

    Weeknummer Onderwerpen Studiestof
    1 Orthodox QM, Bell's Theorem, and Decoherence  
    2 Quantum Information   
    3 Wave-Particle duality and Quantum Field Theory  
    4 The equivalence principle  
    5 Time and the Hole Argument  
    6 Dualities in physics and emergence of spacetime  
    7 Project presentations  
    8 Exam  

    Contact information

    Coordinator

    • dr. Sebastian De Haro Ollé