PH430 Half Unit
Chaos and Spacetime Introduction to Philosophy of Physics I
This information is for the 2014/15 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Matthew Parker LAK2.01
Availability
This course is available on the MSc in Philosophy of Science. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.
Course content
Topics covered: Space: The classical and the Neo-Newtonian debates (substantivilism -- relationalism), determinism and laws of motion, elements of dynamical systems theory, stochastic features of dynamical systems, determinism, predictability, and chaos. Special relativity, general relativity.
Teaching
10 hours of lectures and 15 hours of seminars in the MT.
Formative coursework
One 2000 word essay.
Indicative reading
B. Dainton: Time and Space (Acumen, 2010), J. Earman: A Primer on Determinism (Kluwer, 1986), P. Smith: Explaining Chaos (Cambridge University Press, 1998), E.F. Taylor and J.A. Wheeler: Spacetime Physics. Introduction to Special Relativity (W.H. Freeman & Co Ltd, 1971)
Assessment
Exam (100%, duration: 2 hours) in the main exam period.
Key facts
Department: Philosophy
Total students 2013/14: 4
Average class size 2013/14: 5
Controlled access 2013/14: No
Lecture capture used 2013/14: No
Value: Half Unit
