Why philosophy is important to physics (and why physics is important to philosophy, too)

Speaker: Dr Peter Evans
Affiliation: University of Queensland, School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry

Abstract

Any scientist with a keen eye for the history of science will be aware of the role played by philosophy (and philosophers) in the development of science as we know it today. But the role that philosophy has played, and continues to play, in modern physics is much more controversial; philosophy has been seriously antagonised by some of the most prominent physicists of our day. In this talk I argue that physics is at its best when its foundations are engaged with philosophy. I present three short examples in support of this position: one early 20th century (general relativity), one late 20th century (quantum mechanics), and one 21st century (black hole physics). I then consider one example from contemporary philosophy and argue that engagement with physics is sorely needed there, too.