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 2025/2026

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

  • Some course components require compulsory attendance. If compulsory attendance applies, this will be indicated in the Course Catalogue which can be consulted via the UvA-website. The rationale for and implementation of this compulsory attendance may vary per course and, if applicable, is included in the Course Manual.

    • Assessment

    Item and weight Details

    Final grade

    1 (100%)

    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 QM, Bell's Theorem, and Decoherence  
    2 Quantum Information   
    3 The equivalence principle  
    4 Time and the Hole Argument  
    5 Spontaneous symmetry breaking and the Higgs mechanism  
    6 The interpretation of dualities  
    7 Project presentations  
    8 Exam  

    Contact information

    Coordinator

    • dr. Sebastian De Haro Ollé