The Philosophy of Physics Writing Guide

Notable Quote

"[The Universe] is an infinite sphere, the centre of which is everywhere, the circumference nowhere."

 - Blaise Pascal

In Physically Speaking: A Dictionary of Quotations on Physics and Astronomy. p. 344.

Paper One Writing Prompt

Getting Philosophy from Symmetries

For this paper please read Chapters 1 - 4. Chapters 1 & 2 are introductory and your paper will focus on Chapter 3 & 4.

Please consider the following questions in your paper:

  • In layperson terms, describe symmetries in physics.
  • What consequences does the physical understanding of symmetries have on philosophical thought and our capabilities to understand the universe.
  • Choose one argument or philosphical position in the two chapters to critique: What are the strengths of the argument? What are the weaknesses? Do you think the argument engages with the physics in a helpful/correct way? If relevant, how does this treatment of the argument compare to other sources that have engaged in the same topic?

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Chapter 1: Interpreting Physical Theories

Chapter 2: General Concepts of Physics

Chapter 3: Symmetries in Physics

Chapter 4: Getting Philosophy from Symmetry