Humanities Arts Cultural Stu 0243 - On What There Is: Physics and Metaphysics

What are the basic features of reality? Where and when do these things exist? How and why do they change? This course will explore the ways that physicists and philosophers have answered these questions and have dealt with reconciling incompatible perspectives. Students will engage these questions through reading, writing, observation, mathematical problem-solving, art-making, and active discussion. We will use high school algebra and graphs to understand the fundamentals of Einstein's special theory of relativity and quantum mechanics; and we will consider philosophical theories about the nature of reality, time, space, and change through texts by Western and non-Western philosophers. Along the way, we will ask: How do we decide what is real? Does observation take precedence over theory (or vice versa)? What role do models and imagination play in this inquiry? What are the structures of authority that legitimize scientific and philosophical claims? No prior exposure to physics or philosophy is required.

Culture, Humanities, and Languages Physical and Biological Sciences Multiple Cultural Perspectives Quantitative Skills Writing and Research In this course, students are expected to spend approximately 8 hours weekly on work and preparation outside of class time.