Philosophical perspectives on the exact sciences I
Weekly outline
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The goal of the master programme is to acquire the skills necessary to address the philosophical questions that are raised by the exact sciences and their history. How did the visions of space and time change from Newton to Einstein? What is matter following the revolution introduced by quantum physics? What is a law of nature? Do mathematical objects really exist? Can philosophical logic be applied in computer science? What is the relationship between artificial intelligence and the mind and consciousness? These questions, among many others, will be tackled in the philosophical reflection on the exact sciences and their history that this master module offers. Reflecting on these issues provides intellectual tools for a better understanding of today’s science and technologies. After an introductory teaching, the students work in small groups of 2 to 5 students on a particular project and present their intermediate results to the whole group. Students are free to choose the project that interests them most, but we encourage them to work on a project that is about philosophical issues raised in connection with their main branch at EPFL.
The course booklet, download below, contains all the informations about the course.
To contact the teaching staff, please e-mail amine.rusielhassani@unil.ch
Programme
Autumn term:
Introductory lectures 10 Sept. to 8 Oct. (3h per week, 16h15-18h45)
by Wed 15 Oct. at the latest: Definite fixing of the groups & essay subjects
Work on essay plan, at least one meeting with supervising assistant; submit essay plan to supervising assistant at least one week before your presentation.
Wed 26 Nov., Wed 3 Dec., Wed 10 Dec., Wed 17 Dec. 16h15-19h15:
Presentations of essay plans: 15 minutes presentation (power point), 15 minutes discussion.
by 1 May 26: submit essay, meeting with supervising assistant in May to discuss results
by 1 June 26: submit final version of essay, if changes requested
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General news and announcements
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Please enter your full name(s) followed by (YES or NO) (If you accept or not new members in your group.)
The max limit is 5 members per group.
Choose the subject you want to work on (Titles on the Booklet).
If you want to work on a subject that is not mentioned on the booklet, please email your suggestion to the corresponding assistant teacher.
The deadline to join a group is October 15th
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Wed 10 Sept.:
16h15-17h30 Michael Esfeld: Introduction to the programme and Newton on natural philosophy
17h45-18h45 Cristian Lopez: Physics and philosophy
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Wed 17 Sept.:
16h15-17h30 Amine Rusi: What is Space ?
17h45-18h45 Michael Esfeld: What is a law of nature?
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Wed 24 Sept.:
16h15-17h30 Michael Esfeld: Quantum physics: non-locality and the measurement problem
17h45-18h45 Michael Esfeld: The ontology of quantum physics
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Wed 1 Oct.:
16h15-17h30 Amine Rusi: Philosophy of artificial intelligence and consciousness
17h45-18h45 Michael Esfeld: Mind and free will
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Wed 8 Oct.:
16h15-17h30 Cristian López: Mathematical structure and ontology
17h45-18h45 Amine Rusi: How to write an essay
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by Wed 15 Oct. at the latest: Definite fixing of the groups & essay subjects
Work on essay plan, one meeting with supervising assistant; submit essay plan to supervising assistant at least one week before your presentation.
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Work on essay plan
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Work on essay plan
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Work on essay plan
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Work on essay plan
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Work on essay plan
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Wed 26 Nov. 16h-19h essay plan presentations
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Wed 3 Dec. 16h-19h essay plan presentations
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Wed 10 Dec. 16h-19h essay plan presentations
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Wed. 17 Dec.: 16-19h essay plan presentations
