Philosophical perspectives on the exact sciences I

HUM-417 / 3 credits

Teacher: Esfeld Michael-Andreas

Language: English

Remark: Une seule inscription à un cours SHS+MGT autorisée. En cas d'inscriptions multiples elles seront toutes supprimées sans notification.

Summary

The course considers central themes in the philosophy of science. Starting from the debate between Leibniz and Newton about space and time, we move on to the transition from classical to quantum physics, the explanatory role of mathematics and philosophical questions about artificial intelligence.

Content

Philosophical perspectives on 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 4 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.

To contact the teaching staff, please e-mail aminerusielhassani@unil.ch

Programme

Autumn term:

Wed 11 Sept.:

16h15-17h30 Amine Rusi: Philosophy of space and time

17h45-18h45 Cristian López: Physics and philosophy

Wed 18 Sept.:

16h15-17h30 Michael Esfeld: Newton on natural philosophy

17h45-18h45 Michael Esfeld: What is a law of nature?

Wed 25 Sept.:

16h15-17h30 Alin Cucu: Philosophy of artificial intelligence and consciousness

17h45-18h45 Michael Esfeld: Mind and free will

Wed 2 Oct.:

16h15-17h30 Michael Esfeld: Quantum physics: non-locality and the measurement problem

17h45-18h45 Michael Esfeld: The ontology of quantum physics

Wed 9 Oct.:

16h15-17h30 Cristian López: Mathematical structure and ontology

17h45-18h45 Amine Rusi: How to write an essay

by Wed 16 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.

Wed 27 Nov., Wed 4 Dec., Wed 11 Dec., Wed 18 Dec. 16h15-19h15:

Presentations of essay plans: 15 minutes presentation (power point), 15 minutes discussion.

by 1 May 25: submit essay, meeting with supervising assistant in May to discuss results

by 1 June 25: submit final version of essay, if changes requested

 

Keywords

History and philosophy of science, philosophy of physics, philosophy of mathematics, philosophy of artificial intelligence

POLY-perspective :

  • interdisciplinary perspective
  • global perspective

https://www.epfl.ch/schools/cdh/cdhs-vision/

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

  • Argue
  • Formulate
  • Systematize
  • Develop

Transversal skills

  • Assess progress against the plan, and adapt the plan as appropriate.
  • Communicate effectively, being understood, including across different languages and cultures.

Teaching methods

Ex cathedra course, project work, student presentation of projects

Expected student activities

Class participation and working in groups.

Assessment methods

Oral presentation, written essay in small groups.
Evaluation on a semester basis (grade associated to 3 ECTS). Fall semester evaluation is about knowledge acquisition and the elaboration of a project plan. Spring semester evaluation is about the realization of the project. More information is given at the beginning of the academic year.

Supervision

Office hours Yes
Assistants Yes
Forum No

Resources

Bibliography

Given in class

Moodle Link

In the programs

  • Semester: Fall
  • Number of places: 60
  • Exam form: During the semester (winter session)
  • Subject examined: Philosophical perspectives on the exact sciences I
  • Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Project: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory

Reference week

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