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Instructor: Joshua Mozersky

The development of modern physics has greatly altered our understanding of the universe we inhabit.  In so doing, it has a direct impact on many long-standing philosophical issues, such as: the relationship between the observer and the observed; the nature of space, time, and matter; the nature of properties; the possibility of gaining knowledge of the mind-independent world; the nature of abstract objects; the mind-body relationship; the possibility of time travel; and more.

This course is a detailed, cross-disciplinary examination the implications of physics for these and related philosophical concerns. Questions to be addressed include: Is time real?  Is the passage of time an illusion?  Is time directed?  What is the nature of infinity?  Is the structure of space-time objective or merely a convention?  Does physics reveal a mind-independent reality or do observers in some way construct reality?  Is it possible to provide a complete description of reality?

While a willingness to learn some (very elementary) formal techniques is important for this course, it does not presuppose any background in math or science, just a willingness to learn.  Science and math students are, of course, warmly invited.