DE / EN
2022/2023
History and Philosophy of Physics Research Seminar (Summer)
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Time & Place: |
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Tuesdays from 14:15 to 15:45 CEST.
Almost all sessions can be attended via Zoom; the sessions that are indicated as 'hybrid' below may also be attended in person, in the main building (Am Hof 1, 53113 Bonn) in seminar room 1.070. Zoom-links and weekly reminders are announced via hpp@listen.uni-bonn.de. Subscribing to this list is possible a) here, b) by sending an empty email to hpp-subscribe@listen.uni-bonn.de, or c) by contacting jdobosze@uni-bonn.de |
Conveners: |
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Dr. Juliusz Doboszewski & Prof. Dr. Dennis Lehmkuhl |
18 Apr 2023
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Abstract
The analysis of spacetime singularities concerns the resolution of this puzzle and the detailed account and classification of their types and significance. Aside from its intrinsic interest, it has at least two important implications. Insofar as singularities are taken to be betoken some sort of "breakdown" of or "serious physical pathology" in GR`s representational capabilities, their analysis and consequent prevalence have implications for the bounds of the possibilities that GR represents. Moreover, the "resolution" of these singularities is often taken as a necessary criterion for a satisfactory theory of quantum gravity. I outline how mathematical analogies were used to define spacetime singularities, without that definition being completely interpretable in physical terms - at least, until now: I present results that clarify the stakes involved in accpeting the standard definition.
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25 Apr 2023
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Henrique Gomes (University of Oxford)
A comparison of gravitational and electromagnetic radiative energy Abstract
I'll give a conceptual exposition of aspects of gravitational radiation, especially in relation to energy. My motive for doing so is that the strong analogies with electromagnetic radiation are not widely appreciated. In particular, this is a reply to some recent papers in the philosophy of physics literature that seem to deny that gravitational waves carry energy. The main argument of the talk is based on two points: (i) that for both electromagnetism and gravity, in the presence of material sources, radiation is an effective concept, unambiguously emerging only in certain regimes or solutions of the theory; and (ii) similarly, energy conservation is only unambiguous in certain regimes or solutions of general relativity. Crucially, the domain of (i), in which radiation is meaningful, overlaps significantly with the domain of (ii), in which energy conservation is meaningful. Conceptually, the overlap of regimes is no coincidence: the long-standing question about the existence of gravitational waves was settled precisely by finding a consistent manner to articulate their energy and momentum.
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2 May 2023
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Abstract
Ken Wharton and I have proposed a mechanism for quantum entanglement. The key ingredient is the familiar statistical phenomenon of collider bias, or Berkson's bias. In the language of causal models, a collider is a variable causally influenced by two or more other variables. Conditioning on a collider typically produces non-causal associations between its contributing causes, even if they are actually independent. It is easy to show that this phenomenon can produce associations analogous to Bell correlations, in suitable post-selected ensembles. It is also straightforward that such collider artefacts may become real connections, resembling causality, if a collider is 'constrained' (e.g., by a future boundary condition). We consider the time-reversed analogues of these points in the context of retrocausal models of QM. Retrocausality yields a collider at the source of an EPR-Bell particle pair, and in this case constraint of the collider is possible by normal methods of experimental preparation. It follows that connections resembling causality may be expected to emerge across such colliders, from one branch of the experiment to the other. Our hypothesis is that this constrained retrocausal collider bias is the origin of entanglement. This talk will be based on an explanation of the idea for general audiences available at https://arxiv.org/abs/2212.06986, itself based on a suggestion we first made in arXiv:2101.05370v4. |
9 May 2023
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Gianni Klesen (Bonn)
Plato`s Sophistes Abstract
In this talk I will focus on Plato's Sophistes. In particular, I would like to draw attention to the extent to which Plato here explicitly develops an operative attention. Thus I will try to show to what extent Plato draws attention to the given speech and pays special regard to the concepts used. It is especially important to me to point out that and how Plato deals with a problem formulated by Parmenides. I hope that in this way it can be shown how it might be misguided to understand Plato's search for definitions as a search for 'real definitions'. I might also discuss the implications of this dialogue for contemporary debates. Frauke Stoll (Bonn)
Max Planck and the Blackbody Problem - A Case Study in Theory Extension Abstract
I will present a case study of Max Planck's work on the blackbody problem, which led to an extension of thermodynamics and the identification of blackbody radiation as a thermodynamic phenomenon. By examining how Planck resolved the issue and came to identify blackbody radiation as a thermodynamic phenomenon, we can gain insight into what it means to extend thermodynamics and how such a process can take play. Through this case study, I will demonstrate that theory extension can result in a deepened understanding of the relations between theories and the modification of existing concepts, which in this case resulted in a consolidation of thermodynamics, electrodynamics, and statistical mechanics. The case study also underscores the crucial role that experiments play in the development of scientific theories. |
16 May 2023
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Zachary Hall (Stanford)
An Immanent Critique of Many-Worlds Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics, or: On the Reality of Quantum Jumps Abstract
The central motivation of the Many-Worlds Interpretation (MWI) of quantum mechanics is to view quantum mechanics as a faithful representation of (all) physical reality. In this talk, I exposit the core of the reasoning of adherents of the MWI from this commitment to the conclusion that physical reality consists of a simultaneous multitude of branching, approximately classical worlds. Given a commitment to realism about quantum mechanics, this reasoning is plausible, but ultimately unsound. In particular, evidentially motivated realism about unitary, continuous evolution of quantum states implies the falsity of two premises essential to this reasoning: (i) that wavefunctions in general consist of superpositions of components each of which would on their own deterministically evolve into one unique corresponding measurement state in a given experimental context; (ii) that unitary, continuous evolution of quantum states is universal. In the bulk of the talk, I accordingly advance an immanent critique of the MWI: evidentially motivated realism about unitary, continuous evolution of quantum states not only fails to support the MWI, but positively rules out the existence of any such worlds. This critique in turn implies a few positive upshots for the foundations of quantum physics, including that quantum measurements of position must be (NB: not “cause”) discontinuous changes of quantum state or “quantum jumps” and that the wavefunctions of non-relativistic quantum mechanics must be effective representations of (a plurality of possible) dynamics of a specific class of physical systems. |
23 May 2023
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Abstract
The talk reconstructs Musil's views on science from passages scattered over his (unfinished) book "Man without qualities". It is shown that Musil's concept of science is very close to the notion of science as understood by logical positivism. It will be argued that in his book Musil also provides an implicit critique of logical positivism by drawing the consequences for philosophy of life of this concept of science. Texts will be presented showing that where logical positivism only sees a pure epistemological problem of demarcation of science from non-science, Musil detects the clash of two substantial, not easily compatible spheres of human existence: The sphere of rationality and the sphere of the irrational. Musil formulates the human need of fusing together these two spheres but he does not give any hint in his book about how such a fusion could be achieved.
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30 May 2023
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6 Jun 2023 |
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no seminar
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13 Jun 2023
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Abstract
The cosmic emptiness extends from the closer cosmic environment to the most distant future states of universe. The discussion of the proximity of emptiness reveals a difference between human beings’ small scope for acting on a cosmic scale and their impressive observational capabilities. With regard to the distant emptiness, there is the possibility of a drastic restriction of observational capabilities. This prospect relativizes the truth claim of contemporary knowledge. The assumption that modern cosmology can make predictions into the most distant future calls for an extended concept of natural philosophy whose scope encompasses not only existing human beings.
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20 Jun 2023
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Abstract
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27 Jun 2023
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Jamee Elder (Harvard)
What is a 'direct' image of a shadow? A history and epistemology of 'directness' in black hole imaging Abstract
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4 Jul 2023
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Tushar Menon (University of Cambridge)
Singular terms and singular spacetimes Abstract
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International Conference on Large-Scale Experiments (Karlsruhe)
The final conference of the 6-year interdisciplinary research unit "Epistemology of the LHC" will take place in Karlsruhe (8-10 December 2022) and reflect on large-scale experiments from the perspectives of history, philosophy and social studies of science. More information can be found here: indico.uni-wuppertal.de/event/152/.
Online Working Group on the History and Philosophy of Contemporary Theoretical Physics
Our new working/reading group on the history and philosophy of contemporary physics is open for registration. Hosted by The Consortium for the History of Science, this group will help promote a network of scholars who are interested in studying foundational papers in the history and philosophy of modern theoretical physics (full group description is below).
In our first meeting, which will be held by zoom on Wednesday Oct 12th, we will read and discuss Weyl's 1918 Gravitation and Electricity.
Schedule, zoom links and resources are available after registration.
The group page for registration and updates is available here:
https://www.chstm.org/content/history-and-philosophy-contemporary-theoretical-physics-0
Description
The working group will meet once a month to discuss both historical papers and recent work by its members. The initial focus of the group will be on the increased mathematization of theoretical physics in the 20th century, in particular its historical development and philosophical implications. The readings for the group will include primary resources associated with the development of general relativity, quantum theory, and quantum field theories. We will begin with the history of early unified field theories, and follow different threads in their subsequent development in the second half of the twentieth century. Just a few examples of issues that fall within the scope of the working group are the historical development of gauge theory, modified gravity, and grand unified field theory, as well as related philosophical and conceptual issues.
In our first meeting, which will be held by zoom on Wednesday Oct 12th, we will read and discuss Weyl's 1918 Gravitation and Electricity.
Schedule, zoom links and resources are available after registration.
The group page for registration and updates is available here:
https://www.chstm.org/content/history-and-philosophy-contemporary-theoretical-physics-0
Description
The working group will meet once a month to discuss both historical papers and recent work by its members. The initial focus of the group will be on the increased mathematization of theoretical physics in the 20th century, in particular its historical development and philosophical implications. The readings for the group will include primary resources associated with the development of general relativity, quantum theory, and quantum field theories. We will begin with the history of early unified field theories, and follow different threads in their subsequent development in the second half of the twentieth century. Just a few examples of issues that fall within the scope of the working group are the historical development of gauge theory, modified gravity, and grand unified field theory, as well as related philosophical and conceptual issues.
Workshop on the History and Philosophy of the Gravitational Constant
Our St. Andrews/Bonn Gravitational Constant Network is organising a workshop in St. Andrews (20-21 April 2023). The schedule and further info can be found at www.gravconstant.net/events.html
Workshop on Quantum Foundations (Annual DPG Meeting, Dresden, 20-24 March 2023)
CFA for Workshop "Quantum Foundations" at the annual DPG Meeting, Dresden, 20-24 March 2023
The Working Group “Philosophy of Physics” (AGPhil) of the German Physical Society (DPG) invites submissions for its annual workshop. Contributions on any topic in philosophy of physics are welcome; the focus, however, will be on the foundations of quantum mechanics. The workshop takes place 20-24 March 2023 at the TU Dresden and will be part of the Annual Meeting of the DPG.
The following Invited Speakers have confirmed speakers thus far:
Emily Adlam (Western University)
Michael Cuffaro (LMU Munich)
Paul Näger (WMU Münster)
Alyssa Ney (UC Davis)
If you would like to present a paper, please submit an abstract of about 200 words by 13 January 2023 (ignore the stated 1 December 2022 abstract submission deadline on the website), using the online-form here.
As conference fees are not trivial (see here), speakers who have difficulties paying the conference fees should contact us about possible travel grants.
The Working Group “Philosophy of Physics” (AGPhil) of the German Physical Society (DPG) invites submissions for its annual workshop. Contributions on any topic in philosophy of physics are welcome; the focus, however, will be on the foundations of quantum mechanics. The workshop takes place 20-24 March 2023 at the TU Dresden and will be part of the Annual Meeting of the DPG.
The following Invited Speakers have confirmed speakers thus far:
Emily Adlam (Western University)
Michael Cuffaro (LMU Munich)
Paul Näger (WMU Münster)
Alyssa Ney (UC Davis)
If you would like to present a paper, please submit an abstract of about 200 words by 13 January 2023 (ignore the stated 1 December 2022 abstract submission deadline on the website), using the online-form here.
As conference fees are not trivial (see here), speakers who have difficulties paying the conference fees should contact us about possible travel grants.
History and Philosophy of Physics Research Seminar (Winter)
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Tuesdays from 14:15 to 15:45 CEST.
Almost all sessions can be attended via Zoom; the sessions that are indicated as 'hybrid' below may also be attended in person, in the main building (Am Hof 1, 53113 Bonn) in Hörsaal X. Zoom-links and weekly reminders are announced via hpp@listen.uni-bonn.de. Subscribing to this list is possible a) here, b) by sending an empty email to hpp-subscribe@listen.uni-bonn.de, or c) by contacting jdobosze@uni-bonn.de Dr. Juliusz Doboszewski & Prof. Dr. Dennis Lehmkuhl |
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18 Oct 2022
Hybrid (in-person speaker) |
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25 Oct 2022
Hybrid (in-person speaker) |
Dennis Lehmkuhl (University of Bonn)
The Petrov-Pirani-Penrose Classification of Spacetimes and Its Role in the Renaissance of General Relativity Abstract
This talk will focus on the development of new mathematical methods during the 1960s that allowed for new ways of understanding the solution space of the Einstein equations. The focus will be on the classification scheme for vacuum solutions first developed by Aleksei Petrov in 1954 and then applied to the question of how to give an coordinate-independent definition of the presence of gravitational radiation by Felix Pirani in 1957. I will review Pirani’s definition and rationale for proposing his definition, and then discuss Penrose’s 1960 re-derivation and elaboration of the Petrov classification in the context of his spinor formulation of GR, and his criticism of Pirani’s definition of gravitational radiation. Starting from there, I will review the emerging discussion of how the different Petrov classes should be interpreted, and thus how the solution space of the Einstein equations could be understood, indeed how it could be used as a map of spacetimes and their interpretation. I shall argue that present-day philosophy of physics is still very far from having harvested all the conceptual treasures that originated from this debate in the 1950s and 1960s. |
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1 Nov 2022
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TBA.
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9 Nov 2022
Hybrid (in-person speaker) |
Abstract
Primordial black holes (PBHs) were first postulated more than half a century ago, and they remain a fascinating theoretical curiosity. In recent years, many researchers have realized that PBHs provide an exciting prospect for accounting for dark matter. Rather than requiring some as-yet unknown elementary particles beyond the Standard Model, or modified gravitational dynamics, dark matter might consist of a large population of PBHs that formed very early in cosmic history. In this talk I will review production mechanisms that could yield PBHs as well as present observational constraints. I will also describe models that yield an appropriate population of PBHs following a brief phase of cosmic inflation, while remaining consistent with the latest high-precision measurements of the cosmic microwave background radiation. |
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15 Nov 2022
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No seminar.
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22 Nov 2022
(In-person only) |
Moved to the summer term
Christian Röken (University of Bonn) On the Black Hole and the Wormhole in the Movie Interstellar Abstract
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29 Nov 2022
(In-person only) |
Frauke Stoll (University of Bonn)
Is the analogy between black holes and thermodynamics more than formal? Abstract
There is a striking analogy between the laws of thermodynamics and the laws of black hole mechanics that physicists confidently use to work on quantum gravity. But due to an almost complete lack of empirical data that would support the analogy, this confidence can seem surprising. In this talk I want to examine the most popular claim in literature that black holes are true thermodynamic objects and that thermodynamics extends into the new regime of black holes. This will be done by applying functionalism onto the analogy. It will be shown that following the functionalist approach, it can be established that black holes truly do extend thermodynamics, which leads to them being identified as true thermodynamic objects. Gianni Klesen (University of Bonn) A few remarks about reading philosophy Abstract
Reading philosophy can be challenging. In my talk I will address some of those challenges. |
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6 Dec 2022
Hybrid (in-person speaker) |
Ted Jacobson (University of Maryland)
Einstein & Aether: deformations of general relativity with a preferred local rest frame Abstract
A cornerstone of general relativity is the assumption that the ultra local structure of spacetime at point is entirely determined by the metric tensor. Nevertheless, deformations of general relativity incorporating a local preferred rest frame have been extensively explored in connection with speculation about the ultra short distance structure of spacetime. I will review the motivation, dynamical properties, and current observational constraints for two such deformations, Einstein-Aether theory and Horava gravity. Aside from their potential (but unlikely) relevance to the real world, these theories provide an interesting foil to contrast with general relativity. |