PX4230: Physics and Reality
| School | Cardiff School of Physics & Astronomy |
| Department Code | PHYSX |
| Module Code | PX4230 |
| External Subject Code | 100425 |
| Number of Credits | 10 |
| Level | L7 |
| Language of Delivery | English |
| Module Leader | Dr Giampaolo Pisano |
| Semester | Spring Semester |
| Academic Year | 2015/6 |
Outline Description of Module
To evaluate “physics” in the broadest sense.
To use the physics learned in previous years – especially Quantum Mechanics and Statistical Mechanics – in an attempt to understand the “nature of things”.
To evaluate physical theories whose implications about “the real world” seem obscure.
To explore a number of issues in the interpretation of physical theories that do not seem resolvable by experiment (even in principle), and so can be labelled as metaphysics.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
Demonstrate awareness of the philosophical issues underlying space and time, entropy, quantum mechanics, complex systems and the concept of a “theory of everything”.
Demonstrate an ability to argue cases where there is no clear-cut "right" answer.
How the module will be delivered
Lectures 18 x 1 hr and 4 seminars.
Skills that will be practised and developed
Mathematics. Communication skills. Problem solving. Investigative skills. Analytical skills.
How the module will be assessed
Examination and Continuous Assessment
Assessment Breakdown
| Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam - Spring Semester | 70 | Physics And Reality | 2 |
| Written Assessment | 30 | Physics And Reality | N/A |
Syllabus content
Space: Newton and Leibniz debate about absolute vs relative space; interpretations by Kant, Spinoza, Mach, Poincaré and Einstein. Space at microscopic scales.
Time: Interpretation of time in Relativity and Quantum Mechanics.
Hidden variables and non-locality in quantum mechanics: De Broglie-Bohm theory; EPR and the Bell inequalities.
Arrow of time: The paradox of irreversibility; the second law and entropy, time in quantum mechanics and cosmology.
Interpretations of quantum mechanics: Schrödinger's Cat and the measurement problem; Copenhagen, many-worlds interpretations; decoherence.
Theories of everything: Reductionism; complex systems and emergence; laws vs initial conditions; algorithmic information theory; parallel universes.
Background Reading and Resource List
There is no single text for this course, nevertheless it is essential that students read extensively. During the course students will be issued with study packs containing a number of key passages (e.g. chapters of books) for each topic. The lectures will develop the ideas discussed in these texts, which students are expected to read before the lectures and seminars. Students who extend their reading around the essential passages will improve their chances of doing well in the assessment.