University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 20

ECTS credits : 10

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: To be confirmed.

Modern physics has radical implications for the nature of reality. This module will address various philosophical problems raised by modern physics and the range of proposed solutions. Examples might include: the infamous measurement problem about Schrodinger’s cat that seems both dead and alive simultaneously and the question of whether special relativity is compatible with presentism, the view that ‘now’ is metaphysically privileged.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 seminar (X11 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours: 22

Guided independent study hours: 176

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 100% Coursework


Re-assessment: 100% Coursework

Personnel

Intended learning outcomes

• By the end of the module, students will be able to recognise key problems modern physics raises for the nature of reality.
• By the end of the module, students will be able to identify the range of possible solutions for problems such as the measurement problem in the philosophy of quantum mechanics.
• By the end of the module, students will be able to comprehend philosophical solutions to problems in quantum mechanics, for example altering physical laws or positing a multiverse.
• By the end of the module, students will be able to consider, in an informed way, problems related to the nature of time.
• By the end of the module, students will be able to write competently and meaningfully on matters such as the direction of time, temporal asymmetries in physics, and how these relate to causal asymmetries.