PHI 382 / PHY 382 - Spring 2008

Prof. Robert P. Crease
Prof. Alfred Scharff Goldhaber

Physics P127 (note change in location)
W 5:20-8:10

Course Description

This course explores the implications and influence, real and alleged, of quantum mechanics on fields other than physics. Our title was inspired by an exhibition and book, entitled "The Newtonian Moment," that charted a 250-year period during which ripples from Newton's discoveries, especially in mechanics and gravity, radiated out first to a small school of specialists, and then in successively larger circles, eventually penetrating all niches of human life from art to commerce. It is now over 80 years since the inception of quantum mechanics, and 100 years since a crucial contribution by Einstein to its foundations, and it seems worthwhile to look at what kinds of ripples have come from a development in some ways much more startling and hard to swallow than Newton's work. What have been the reactions to quantum mechanics in worlds outside the physical sciences? How, if at all, have such reactions reflected back on what hard-core practitioners in this field do... and think about what they do?

Such questions will be at the focus of this course. How has quantum mechanics permeated culture to offer what seem to be significant new perspectives on the human condition? What does it mean, if anything, for philosophy, ethics, biology, and social behavior? We shall explore how quantum mechanics fits, or does not fit, with traditional models of science, and with more recent accounts such as social constructivism. We shall discuss some of the important debates at the founding of quantum mechanics, such as the Einstein-Bohr debate on the possibility of hidden variables, the Bohr-Heisenberg debate on the interpretation of complementarity, and the probabilistic interpretation of quantum mechanics. We shall look into the "double- slit" experiment with single electrons, the "most beautiful experiment in science." We may also discuss such issues as nonlocality, hidden variables, new dimensions of the debate of free will versus determinism, scientific perception and measurement theory. Required and suggested readings include texts that claim to find a connection between quantum mechanics and Faulkner's novels, surrealist paintings, Christian thought, Eastern mysticism, and the theatre of Bertolt Brecht and Richard Foreman. The course will not involve technical mathematics. The introduction to quantum mechanics provided by the instructors will be aimed at non-science students. Besides readings, the course will also involve plays including Copenhagen, films, and guest speakers.

One purpose of this course is to seek out appearances of quantum mechanics that are recent or unknown to us. Each student will be expected, every other week, to hunt down and bring in a reference to quantum mechanics in some context outside physics, and to say a few words about the source and context. Students will be expected to work on a final project, to be presented in class.

Syllabus

Books

The required articles will be handed out, or left in either the Philosophy or Physics offices for students to copy. The following books are to be purchased:

Course Structure

For most classes, the instructors -- or a guest speaker -- will speak for the first half, followed by a break for dinner, and on our return students will present and discuss material. The material discussed by the students may be part of the assigned readings for that week, a suggested reading for that week, or another reading suggested by the student that has been approved by the instructors.

Requirements

You are required to attend all classes, and to participate in the discussions. Frequent discussions, attention to notices on the course website, and postings through Blackboard may be required. You must complete the readings on time, by the date listed on the syllabus. You are responsible for making up any work missed for any reason. Grading is based on class participation, class presentation, and the course project.

Disability Support Services (DSS) Statement

If you have a physical, psychological, medical, or learning disability that may impact your course work, please contact Disability Support Services (631) 632-6748 or http://studentaffairs.stonybrook.edu/dss/. They will determine with you what accommodations are necessary and appropriate. All information and documentation is confidential. Students who require assistance during emergency evacuation are encouraged to discuss their needs with their professors and Disability Support Services. For procedures and information see: http://www.stonybrook.edu/ehs/fire/disabilities/asp.

Academic Integrity Statement

Each student must pursue his or her academic goals honestly and be personally accountable for all submitted work. Representing another person's work as your own is always wrong. Faculty are required to report any suspected instance of academic dishonesty to the Academic Judiciary. For more comprehensive information on academic integrity, including categories of academic dishonesty, please refer to the academic judiciary website at http://www.stonybrook.edu/uaa/academicjudiciary/

Critical Incident Management

Stony Brook University expects students to respect the rights, privileges, and property of other people. Faculty are required to report to the Office of Judicial Affairs any disruptive behavior that interrupts their ability to teach, compromises the safety of the learning environment, and/or inhibits students' ability to learn.

Blackboard

Access class information on-line at: http://blackboard.sunysb.edu. If you used Blackboard in the Fall, your login information is unchanged. If you've never used Blackboard, your initial password is your SOLAR ID# and your username is your SBU (sparky) username, generally your first initial and the first 7 letters of your last name. For help or more information see: http://www.sinc.sunysb.edu/helpdesk/docs/blackboard/bbstudent.php For problems logging in, go to the helpdesk in the Main Library SINC Site or the Union SINC Site, or call 631-632-9602 or e-mail helpme@ic.sunysb.edu

Grading

Students will be graded 50% on their project (including descriptions, presentation, and final submitted form), and 50% on class participation, including seminar presentations and discovered references to quantum mechanics "in the wild."