Symmetries in science: logical and metaphysical analysis 3800-SSLMA25-S-OG
The concept of a symmetry plays an important role in mathematics and physics, as well as in arts and philosophy. In this seminar we will primarily focus on the use of this concept in physics, with an emphasis on its potential consequences for the ontology and epistemology of science. One of the main goals will be to make it precise what a symmetry is. While mathematically this concept has an obvious interpretation – a symmetry is any transformation that does not alter a given object (a geometric figure, for instance) – in physics there are many ways to implement this broad notion. For instance, we can talk about symmetries of laws (equations) or of specific solutions. It is also crucial to decide what is the domain on which a particular physical symmetry (transformation) acts: space-time, the set of objects, or the set of abstract states (quantities) of a given system.
The central issue will be to assess the ontological and epistemological consequences of the existence of a particular symmetry of solutions or laws. Some philosophers insist that the existence of a symmetry indicates merely that our conceptual (mathematical) apparatus possesses some redundancy (surplus structure). However, very often we use symmetries to argue what is real (the so-called symmetry-to-reality inference) and what is not. Another interesting issue is the well-known connection between symmetries and some conservation principles in physics, as spelled out in Noether’s theorem. We will also discuss the possibility of symmetry breaking, and the related principle known as the Curie principle. Another aspect of the multifaceted problem of symmetries is the existence of symmetry-based arguments and solutions of various problems in physics and mathematics, which we will encounter in this seminar.
The seminar will be based on a selection of recent articles and chapters by eminent philosophers of science (physics), highlighting various problems related to the concept of symmetries. These readings will be analyzed and discussed under the guidance from the instructor.
Rodzaj przedmiotu
Założenia (opisowo)
Koordynatorzy przedmiotu
Efekty kształcenia
Acquired knowledge:
K_W02 Has basic knowledge on the place and significance of philosophy in relation to sciences and on the subject-matter and methodological specificity of philosophy
K_W03 Consolidates and enriches vocabulary and improves proficiency in English at the level C1
K_W07 Has well-structured detailed knowledge within a selected philosophical discipline (philosophy and ontology of science, philosophy of physics and mathematics).
K_W14 Knows methods of interpreting a philosophical text.
Acquired skills:
K_U03 Reads and interprets philosophical text
K_U04 Listens with understanding to oral presentation of philosophical ideas and arguments and has the ability to prepare oral presentations.
K_U05 Correctly applies the learned philosophical terminology.
K_U07 Analyses philosophical arguments, identifies their key theses and assumptions and detects relationships between their theses and assumptions.
K_U08 Applies basic logical methods and typical argumentative strategies;
K_U14 Selects argumentative strategies, at an elementary level constructs critical arguments, formulates responses to criticism.
Acquired social competences:
K_K01 Is ready to evaluate the extent of his/her knowledge and skills, understands the need for continuous learning and professional development.
K_K02 Is open to new ideas and ready to change his/her opinion in the light of available data and arguments.
K_K03 Based on a creative analysis of new situations and problems, independently formulates proposals for their solution.
K_K05 Effectively organises own work and critically evaluates its progress.
K_K10 Is able to cooperate and work in a group, taking various roles.
Kryteria oceniania
Students of the first cycle: the requirement for passing the course is to give one presentation and prepare a written summary. For students of the second and third cycle, in addition a longer essay is required.
Number of absences: 2
Literatura
S. Dasgupta, “Symmetry as an epistemic notion (twice over)”, BJPS 2016
D.J. Baker, “Symmetry and the metaphysics of physics”, Philosophy Compass 2010
G. Belot, “Symmetry and equivalence”, Oxford Handbook of Philosophy of Physics 2013
J. Earman, “Laws, symmetries and symmetry breaking: invariance, conservation principle and objectivity”, Philosophy of Science 2004
T. Møller-Nielsen, “Symmetry and qualitativity”, Metaphysics in Contemporary Physics 2016
and J. Earman “Symmetry principles”, in World Enough and Space-Time 1989, pp. 45-47
K. Brading, E. Castellani, Symmetries in Physics: Philosophical Reflections 2003. Chapters:
“Introduction” by K. Brading and E. Castellani,
“Notes on symmetries” by G. Belot,
“Symmetry as a guide to superfluous theoretical structure” by J. Ismael and B. van Fraassen,
“Understanding permutation symmetry” by S. French and D. Rickles,
“On the meaning of symmetry breaking” by E. Castellani.
B. van Fraassen, “Symmetry arguments” and “Symmetry guiding modern science”, Laws and Symmetry 1989
H. Greaves and D. Wallace, “Empirical consequences of symmetries”, BJPS 2014.
D. Romero-Maltrana, “Symmetries as by-products of conserved quantities”, Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 2015
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