Module manager: Dr Juha Saasti
Email: J.T.Saatsi@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
| PHIL3851 | Intro: Phil of Modern Physics |
| PHIL5003M | Topics in the Philosophy of Physics |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module explores philosophical issues at the heart of quantum theory, a central pillar of modern physics. Through a conceptual and historical introduction to quantum mechanics, you will encounter fascinating questions concerning, e.g., the nature of quantum objects and how they differ from their classical counterparts; the quantum measurement problem; the sense in which quantum mechanics involves ‘spooky action at a distance’; the nature of quantum indeterminacy and probabilities; the ‘many-worlds’ interpretation of quantum mechanics and alternative theories; the relationship between physics, on the one hand, and human sentience and freewill, on the other.
This module will cover several key philosophical issues that arise in the context of elementary quantum mechanics. You will be guided through the physics (if you are a philosophy student) with an emphasis on conceptual clarity and precision, with only minimal references to mathematics and, if you are a physics student, you will be guided through the philosophical approach to physics, to provide you with an understanding of how modern physics encompasses foundational, philosophical and interpretational issues.
You will learn to reflect on physics conceptually and philosophically, and to appreciate the subtlety of interpreting scientific theories in general. You will be invited to examine, articulate, and speak on behalf of your own intuitions, in the context of modern physics, regarding philosophical issues pertaining to the deep nature of reality and our limited knowledge of it.
In the lectures, you will be introduced to the theory and its core concepts and philosophical questions. In the tutorials, you will develop more in-depth understanding of the material through group discussions and Q&A sessions. In preparation for these, you will independently reflect on the key issues by reading an introductory text, assisted by set questions. Tutorial group discussions will also encourage you to develop and articulate your own point of view, and to dialectically and constructively engage with alternative viewpoints.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1) Critically evaluate, in detail, arguments relating to some of the major issues in the philosophy of physics.
2) Coherently develop and defend your own position in the philosophy of physics.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
3) Communicate ideas and understanding clearly and concisely.
4) Undertake independent research to identify, evaluate and synthesise relevant material to support knowledge and analysis of topics.
Indicative syllabus:
- Reality of space in Newtonian mechanics
- Basic architecture of quantum mechanics
- The quantum measurement problem
- Quantum entanglement and non-locality
- Different realist versions of quantum mechanics (Bohmian mechanics, GRW, many worlds)
- Free will and determinism
- Scientific realism
- Metaphysics vs. Physics
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seminars | 9 | 1 | 9 |
| Lecture | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 181 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 19 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Each student is invited to complete ONE piece of formative work which will receive written feedback.
Students are given a choice of: essay plan; exposition of an argument; an objection and reply.
Students should read and reflect on (i) the PRHS marking criteria and (ii) the specific guidance provided on the summative assessment in this module, and identify for themselves the type of formative feedback that will be most beneficial for them.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essay | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
For the resit, students must answer a different question from the list provided for the original attempt.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team