Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal Curt Jaimungal (Me): Philosophers vs. Physicists
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Sep 17, 2025 Dive into the intriguing clash between philosophy and physics! Discover how Bell's theorem and decoherence guide scientific thought while highlighting the philosophical assumptions physicists often overlook. John Norton critiques the tendency to treat information as fundamental, emphasizing the need for clarity in the philosophy of science. This discussion not only illustrates the intricate dance between disciplines but also invites listeners to reconsider the foundational ideas that underpin our understanding of reality.
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Physicists Always Carry Philosophy
- Most practicing physicists hold philosophical positions even if they deny it.
- John Norton argues those implicit positions are often defective and unexamined.
Expose And Test Your Assumptions
- Make your philosophical assumptions explicit and examine them systematically.
- Philosophy of physics should set its own standards rather than defer to physicists' needs.
Philosophy Has Tangible Physics Wins
- Philosophy of physics has produced concrete contributions to physics.
- Examples include the hole argument, decoherence, and Bell's theorem influencing mainstream research.