Event

Jun 25, 2018
On Strings and Loops: Shifting the Perspectives

The practice of physics is shaped by experiences and expectations. Physicists and philosophers of science alike are tempted to evaluate scientific achievements by relating them to successfully tested predictions. However, some contemporary research programs at the physical frontiers refuse to be rated based on their power to predict testable phenomena. Without the crucial link to the natural world other criteria of evaluation must be considered. Recently, a shift of strategies for theory assessment was proposed as an explanation to why large numbers of physicists are attracted by string research. However, historical accounts have already indicated shifting practices of theoretical physics including string theoretical research.
This talk is based on a freshly finished MA thesis.

Address
MPIWG, Harnackstraße 5, 14195 Berlin, Germany
Room
Villa, Room V005/Seminar Room
Contact and Registration

No registration necessary. For further information please contact Kseniia Mohelsky.

About This Series

The seminar series of the Research Group “Historical Epistemology of the Final Theory Program” runs once a month, usually on a Monday at 14:30 in the seminar room of the Villa (Harnackstraße 5). The talks deal primarily with the history, philosophy, and foundations of modern (post-WWII) physics or with wider epistemological questions related to the work of the group. There are no pre-circulated papers.

2018-06-25T14:00:00SAVE IN I-CAL 2018-06-25 14:00:00 2018-06-25 16:00:00 On Strings and Loops: Shifting the Perspectives The practice of physics is shaped by experiences and expectations. Physicists and philosophers of science alike are tempted to evaluate scientific achievements by relating them to successfully tested predictions. However, some contemporary research programs at the physical frontiers refuse to be rated based on their power to predict testable phenomena. Without the crucial link to the natural world other criteria of evaluation must be considered. Recently, a shift of strategies for theory assessment was proposed as an explanation to why large numbers of physicists are attracted by string research. However, historical accounts have already indicated shifting practices of theoretical physics including string theoretical research. This talk is based on a freshly finished MA thesis. MPIWG, Harnackstraße 5, 14195 Berlin, Germany Villa, Room V005/Seminar Room Alexander Blum Alexander Blum Europe/Berlin public