How great is the overlap of Philosophy and Physics?

In summary, the overlap between philosophy and physics is significant, as both disciplines explore fundamental questions about the nature of reality, existence, and knowledge. Philosophy provides a framework for interpreting the implications and meanings of physical theories, while physics challenges philosophical concepts through empirical evidence and scientific inquiry. Key areas of intersection include the study of time, space, causality, and the interpretation of quantum mechanics, prompting ongoing dialogue and collaboration between the two fields.
  • #1
CallMeDirac
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For much of physics, its language is fundamentally math, but to a certain point, does philosophical thinking ever play an important part in creating or exploring physics?

It would seem, at least to me, that there is some significant overlap, given that much of understanding physics can't quite be rotely explained through equations alone (to my knowledge) and requires some more artistic thinking when trying to understand such concepts. Further, at a point, does the practice of putting those musings to math look similar to putting arguments to formal logic?
 
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  • #2
CallMeDirac said:
given that much of understanding physics can't quite be wrotely explained
Ha. You really had me going with that one. I couldn't figure out if you were using a word I'd never heard of or had invented your own word or just what the hell was going on. For some reason it took a good many seconds for me to realize you intended "rotely"
 
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  • #3
phinds said:
Ha. You really had me going with that one. I couldn't figure out if you were using a word I'd never heard of or had invented your own word or just what the hell was going on. For some reason it took a good many seconds for me to realize you intended "rotely"
You saw nothing -_-
 
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  • #4
CallMeDirac said:
You saw nothing -_-
I spelt Planck wrong on here once. Luckily one of the guys pointed it out quickly so I corrected without no one seeing it. A close one.

Anyway philosophy? It is not discussed (allowed) directly on pf but there are recurrent discussions on measurement, observer, interpretations of QM and the nature of reality.

The discussions are very technical and sometimes the disagreements can boil down to the interpretation of a single word!

Einstein and Bohr were probably the first to start doing this following the quantum revolution https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bohr–Einstein_debates

There are also discussions regarding John Bells work, EPR and entanglement and a few threads on Ontology https://www.physicsforums.com/threa...for-kids-hard-for-quantum-physicists.1007637/

“Mathematics is philosophy.” A comment by a mathematician on pf. It surprised me at the time but the great philosophers, Plato, Aristotle, Pythagoras mathematics/science and philosophy walked hand in hand all the way to Cantor, Russel and Turing.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foundations_of_mathematics

Also, Physics used to be called “natural philosophy.”

Plenty of crossing and foundation.
 
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  • #5
pinball1970 said:
Also, Physics used to be called “natural philosophy.”
I think that there was a time when all of science was called "natural philosophy".
Probably before it was called science.

There is a lot of philosophy that has been discussed tangentially to other main foci of discussion.
I have done this and survived.
Philosophy as the main point of discussion will probably not work well here.
 
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This sounds a lot like "I don't do science, nor have I really studied it, but you're all doing it wrong!" And as evidence, we trot out the old "it seems to me".

This tends not to get any traction. Anywhere.
 
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  • #7
BillTre said:
Philosophy as the main point of discussion will probably not work well here.
I led with that, the OP has some sort of ban now though.
 
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  • #8
Yeah, the OP is on vacation for a bit, due to a number of reasons. No need to keep this thread open in the interim.
 
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FAQ: How great is the overlap of Philosophy and Physics?

How does philosophy contribute to the development of theoretical physics?

Philosophy contributes to theoretical physics by providing a framework for questioning and interpreting the fundamental concepts and assumptions underlying physical theories. Philosophical inquiry helps physicists clarify concepts such as space, time, causality, and the nature of reality, which can lead to new theoretical developments and a deeper understanding of existing theories.

Can philosophical methods be applied to solve physical problems?

While philosophical methods are not typically used to solve specific physical problems directly, they can influence the way physicists approach these problems. Philosophical analysis can help identify and refine the foundational principles of physical theories, challenge prevailing paradigms, and inspire new lines of inquiry that lead to innovative solutions.

Are there historical examples of philosophers who made significant contributions to physics?

Yes, there are several historical examples of philosophers who made significant contributions to physics. For instance, René Descartes' work on the nature of matter and motion influenced the development of classical mechanics, and Immanuel Kant's ideas about space and time had an impact on the formulation of modern physics. More recently, philosophers like Karl Popper and Thomas Kuhn have shaped the philosophy of science, influencing how scientific theories are evaluated and understood.

How do physicists and philosophers collaborate in contemporary research?

In contemporary research, physicists and philosophers often collaborate through interdisciplinary studies, conferences, and publications. Philosophers of science work closely with physicists to analyze and interpret the conceptual foundations of physical theories, address philosophical questions arising from new scientific discoveries, and explore the implications of these theories for our understanding of reality.

What are some philosophical questions that arise from modern physics theories like quantum mechanics and relativity?

Modern physics theories such as quantum mechanics and relativity raise several philosophical questions. For example, in quantum mechanics, questions about the nature of wavefunction collapse, the role of the observer, and the interpretation of probability arise. In relativity, issues related to the nature of spacetime, simultaneity, and the concept of determinism are prominent. These questions challenge our conventional understanding of reality and prompt ongoing philosophical debate and investigation.

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