PH431 Half Unit
Quanta and Entropy - Introduction to Philosophy of Physics II
This information is for the 2014/15 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Matthew Parker LAK2.01
Availability
This course is available on the MSc in Philosophy of Science. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.
Pre-requisites
None.
Course content
Topics covered: The conceptual structure of quantum mechanics, non-locality and the EPR argument, Bell's no-go theorem, the measurement problem and the collapse interpretation of quantum mechanics, Bohmian quantum mechanics. Thermodynamics and the aim of statistical mechanics, the Boltzmann approach, the ergodic programme and the Past Hypothesis, the Gibbs approach.
Teaching
10 hours of lectures and 15 hours of seminars in the LT.
Formative coursework
One 2000 word essay.
Indicative reading
J. S. Bell: "Bertlmann's Socks and the Nature of Reality" in Speakable and Unspeakable in Quantum Mechanics (Cambridge University Press, 2004), M. Redhead: Incompleteness, nonlocality and Realism (Oxford University Press, 1987), R. Frigg: “A field guide to recent work on the foundations of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics” in D. Rickles (ed.) The Ashgate Companion to Philosophy of Physics (Ashgate, 2008) 99-196, L. Sklar: Physics and Chance : Philosophical Issues in the Foundations of Statistical Mechanics (Cambridge University Press, 1993).
Assessment
Exam (100%, duration: 2 hours) in the main exam period.
Key facts
Department: Philosophy
Total students 2013/14: 4
Average class size 2013/14: 4
Controlled access 2013/14: No
Lecture capture used 2013/14: No
Value: Half Unit
