Module manager: Dr Juha Saatsi
Email: J.T.Saatsi@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: invalid View Timetable
Year running
| PHIL3851 | Intro: Phil of Modern Physics |
| PHIL3852 | Philosophy of Modern Physics |
HPSC5171M Topics in the Philosophy of Physics
This module is not approved as an Elective
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. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
This module will cover several key philosophical issues that arise in the context of elementary quantum mechanics. You will be guided through the physics with an emphasis on conceptual clarity and precision, with only minimal references to mathematics, 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 articulate and reflectively examine your own intuitions pertaining to the deep nature of reality and our limited knowledge of it, in light of the different philosophical approaches to these complex and challenging issues.
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 set texts, 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.
You will also have supervision meetings in which the module leader will advise on how to develop your knowledge of and views about the issues and formulate a nuanced position.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1) Critically, and in depth, analyse some major philosophical issues in the philosophy of physics.
2) Coherently connect different ideas, arguments, and theories in the philosophy of physics
3) Develop and defend your own position in the philosophy of physics through cogent and nuanced argumentation.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
4) Communicate ideas and understanding clearly and concisely, using appropriate academic language (Academic and Work Ready skill)
5) Undertake independent research to identify, evaluate and synthesise relevant material to support knowledge and analysis of topics. (Academic, Work Ready and Digital Skill)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Lectures | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Seminars | 9 | 1 | 9 |
| Private study hours | 280 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
Each student is invited to complete ONE piece of formative work which will receive written feedback. Students are given a choice of an essay plan, exposition of an argument, or an objection and reply. Students should read and reflect on (i) the feedback they received in previous summative assessments, (ii) the PRHS marking criteria, and (iii) 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 to them.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essay | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Resit by an essay of same length, but on a different topic to the original submission.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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