History and Philosophy of Modern Physics

Philosophical questions raised by historical developments in 20th- and 21st-century physics, and conversely, historical-scientific questions raised by philosophical inquiry. Special and general relativity. Issues in quantum mechanics surrounding causality, determinism, realism, and probabilism. Atomic and thermonuclear weapons. Growth of large-scale experimental high-energy physics. What is meant by "unified" field theories? Is a reductionist theory of nature possible? Rise of string theory and nanosciences. Readings: scientific, historical, and philosophical texts.