Contemporary debates in philosophy of science
Speaker: Bryan Roberts (LSE)
Title: Why There is More than One Kind of Thing
Abstract: I point out a precise sense in which, if the ontology of the quantum world consists in just one kind of thing, then the theory governing those particles is time symmetric. Any evidence that the world fails to be time symmetric thus indicates that there is more than one kind of thing. This provides one answer to the question, 'Why is there more than one kind of particle?' Part of the explanation is to reply, 'Because the laws governing fundamental particles and fields distinguish an arrow of time.'
Contact
The seminars are organised by the philosophy of science research group. For more information or to find out about future events, please contact Dr Alistair Isaac.
Contemporary debates in philosophy of science
Room 2.13, Old Infirmary Building (Geography), 1 Drummond Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9XP