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Instructor Class Description

Time Schedule:

John B. Manchak
PHIL 482
Seattle Campus

Philosophy of Physical Science

Study of philosophical issues raised by theories in physics or chemistry, such as whether space (time) is a substance, how causation and locality are treated in quantum mechanics, temporal anistropy and time travel, the nature of a field of force, the reduction of chemistry to physics. Prerequisite: one PHIL course.

Class description

We will investigate the mathematical and philosophical foundations of space and time. Our subject matter will include Aristotelian and Galilean theories of classical spacetime as well as Einstein's special and general theories of relativity. Prerequisite: PHIL 470 or 400 level MATH or PHYS course. TEXTS: General Relativity from A to B, Robert Geroch; Notes on Geometry and Spacetime, David Malament.

Student learning goals

General method of instruction

Recommended preparation

Class assignments and grading

The information above is intended to be helpful in choosing courses. Because the instructor may further develop his/her plans for this course, its characteristics are subject to change without notice. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.

Last Update by John B. Manchak
Date: 03/31/2011