Philosophy 482: Philosophy of Physical Science
Topic: Conceptual Problems of the Quantum Theory
Course Web Page: http://courses.washington.edu/philo482/
Class Meets T,Th 11:30-1:20,  Savery 130

Instructor:                Arthur Fine
Office Address:        Savery M399
Contact:                    543-6496 (543-5855 -- Messages Only),
                                  afine@u.washington.edu

Office Hours:           T, TH 1:30–2:20  and by appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION. This is a course on conceptual problems of the quantum theory. Some of the problem areas we will look at include: entanglement, Bell's theorem, decoherence, realism, determinism, and quantum logic. We'll examine several interpretations including: Copenhagen, many worlds (minds), hidden variables, and collapse. Paradigm experimental situations involve variations on the double slit and Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen experiments. 

PREREQUISITES. Juniors & seniors with a decent logic/math/physics background. Open to others upon approval of the instructor.

TEACHING METHOD. Modified seminar style: student presentations alternating with lecture/discussions, and with active student participation in general.

EVALUATION. In addition to class participation and written reports of presentations, there will be a short midterm exam and a short problem-oriented final paper due the last day of class. No final exam. 

READINGS.

A. REQUIRED

1.     There are tour sets of readings on the webpage (four password-protected PDF files). They are required reading for the course.

2.     A. Fine, The Shaky Game: Einstein, Realism and the Quantum Theory   2nd ed. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1996). UW Bookstore.

B. There is also an extensive library reserve list for reference and study.