Philosophical and Historical Foundations of Physics

Visiting Faculty Member -- Y. Aharonov

Graduate Students -- A. Botero, G. Jaeger, J. Tollaksen

Since physics is the most basic of the natural sciences, there is much overlap between problems arising in the foundation of physics and problems that have been studied by philosophers. Both disciplines are concerned with basic concepts like space, time, cause, chance, and matter; and both are concerned with the procedures of measurement, inference, and the relating of theoretical entities and experience. Boston University strongly supports research that spans the physics-philosophy gap. The Boston University Center for the Philosophy and History of Science is a center for studies of the philosophical, logical, and historical foundations of the natural and social sciences. The frequent meetings of the Boston Colloquium for the Philosophy of Science feature speakers from throughout the United States and abroad. Current projects include:

• Philosophy of Physics
• The Papers of Albert Einstein and the History of the Theory of Relativity