European Journal for Philosophy of Science volume , 2021
The “practice turn” in philosophy of science has strengthened the connections between philosophy ... more The “practice turn” in philosophy of science has strengthened the connections between philosophy and scientific practice. Apart from reinvigorating philosophy of science, this also increases the relevance of philosophical research for science, society, and science education. In this paper, we reflect on our extensive experience with teaching mandatory philosophy of science courses to science students from a range of programs at University of Copenhagen. We highlight some of the lessons we have learned in making philosophy of science “fit for teaching” outside of philosophy circles by taking selected cases from the students’ own field as the starting point. We argue for adapting philosophy of science teaching to particular audiences of science students, and discuss the benefits of drawing on research within science education to inform curriculum and course design. This involves reconsidering teaching resources, assumptions about students, intended learning outcomes, and teaching formats. We also argue that to make philosophy of science relevant and engaging to science students, it is important to consider their potential career trajectories. By anticipating future contexts and situations in which methodological, conceptual, and ethical questions could be relevant, philosophy of science can demonstrate its value in the education of science students.
Annual Review of Condensed Matter Physics, Mar 2017
Arnold Sommerfeld (1868–1951), one of the founders of modern theoretical physics and a pioneer of... more Arnold Sommerfeld (1868–1951), one of the founders of modern theoretical physics and a pioneer of quantum theory, was no condensed matter physicist. He nevertheless played a crucial role for the history of the field. Besides his important contributions to the study of condensed matter systems, among which his seminal electron gas theory of metallic conduction probably stands out, he influenced the field through his very approach to science, through his way of “doing” physics. Sommerfeld’s specific style permeated not only his research but also his teaching and his promoting of physics. This has had a lasting influence on the practices of physicists to this day, and not only, but importantly, on those of condensed matter physicists. This article aims to provide a concise account of Sommerfeld’s influence on the study of condensed matter systems, with regard to both his research and his practice.
In the 1970s, the reinterpretation of renormalization group techniques in terms of effective fiel... more In the 1970s, the reinterpretation of renormalization group techniques in terms of effective field theories and their subsequent rapid development led to a major reinterpretation of the entire renormalization program, originally formulated in the late 1940s within quantum electrodynamics (QED). A more gradual shift in its interpretation, however, occurred already in the early-to-mid-1950s when renormalization techniques were transferred to solid-state and nuclear physics and helped establish the notion of effective or quasi-particles, emergent entities that are not to be found in the original, microscopic description of the theory. We study how the methods of QED, when applied in different contexts, gave rise to this ontological reinterpretation.
As part of an attempt to establish a new understanding of the earliest applications of quantum me... more As part of an attempt to establish a new understanding of the earliest applications of quantum mechanics and their importance to the overall development of quantum theory, this paper reexamines the role of research on molecular structure in the transition from the so-called old quantum theory to quantum mechanics and in the two years immediately following this shift (1926–1928). We argue on two bases against the common tendency to marginalize the contribution of these researches. First, because these applications addressed issues of longstanding interest to physicists, which they hoped, if not expected, a complete quantum theory to address, and for which they had already developed methods under the old quantum theory that would remain valid under the new mechanics. Second, because generating these applications was one of, if not the, principal means by which physicists clarified the unity, generality, and physical meaning of quantum mechanics, thereby reworking the theory into its now commonly recognized form, as well as developing an understanding of the kinds of predictions it generated and the ways in which these differed from those of the earlier classical mechanics. More broadly, we hope with this article to provide a new viewpoint on the importance of problem solving to scientific research and theory construction, one that might complement recent work on its role in science pedagogy.
The random-phase approximation (RPA) as an approach for computing the electronic correlation ener... more The random-phase approximation (RPA) as an approach for computing the electronic correlation energy is reviewed. After a brief account of its basic concept and historical development, the paper is devoted to the theoretical formulations of RPA, and its applications to realistic systems. With several illustrating applications, we discuss the implications of RPA for computational chemistry and materials science. The computational cost of RPA is also addressed which is critical for its widespread use in future applications. In addition, current correction schemes going beyond RPA and directions of further development will be discussed.
Studies In History and Philosophy of Science Part B: …, 2011
The analysis of Erwin Schr ödinger's first major theoretical work demonstrates his early commitme... more The analysis of Erwin Schr ödinger's first major theoretical work demonstrates his early commitment to Boltzmann's statistical-mechanical tradition, which also influenced his later contributions to quantum theory. It further reveals two central elements of his research style: The extension and modification of works by others, and the extensive use of analogies. Schr ödinger extended Debye's theory of liquid dielectrics using Langevin's and Weiss's theories of magnetism, taking a formal analogy between mathematical laws of two separate phenomena as an indication for a physical analogy between them. His approach followed his commitment to ''scientific realism''. Schr ödinger attributed ''reality'' to the basic assumptions of a theory and therefore explored their consequences in various domains. For him, accordance with experimental findings proved the correctness of his assumptions. Following this methodology, Schr ödinger advanced a kinetic (i.e., statistical) theory of solid dielectrics. His 1912 theory explained the behavior of solid dielectrics in an external electric field, piezoelectricity, pyroelectricity, and the change of melting temperature with pressure. It even provided a microphysical explanation for solidification itself. These explanations, however, required several rather speculative and doubtful assumptions, stemming from Schr ödinger's reliance on analogy. This illustrates one of the pitfalls of the use of analogies.
In the 1830s, W. R. Hamilton established a formal analogy between optics and mechanics by constru... more In the 1830s, W. R. Hamilton established a formal analogy between optics and mechanics by constructing a mathematical equivalence between the extremum principles of ray optics (Fermat's principle) and corpuscular mechanics (Maupertuis's principle). Almost a century later, this optical-mechanical analogy played a central role in the development of wave mechanics. Schrödinger was well acquainted with Hamilton's analogy through earlier studies. From Schrödinger's research notebooks, we show how he used the analogy as a heuristic tool to develop de Broglie's ideas about matter waves and how the role of the analogy in his thinking changed from a heuristic tool into a formal constraint on possible wave equations. We argue that Schrödinger only understood the full impact of the optical-mechanical analogy during the preparation of his second communication on wave mechanics: Classical mechanics is an approximation to the new undulatory mechanics, just as ray optics is an approximation to wave optics. This completion of the analogy convinced Schrödinger to stick to a realist interpretation of the wave function, in opposition to the emerging mainstream. The transformations in Schrödinger's use of the optical-mechanical analogy can be traced in his research notebooks, which offer a much more complete picture of the development of wave mechanics than has been previously thought possible.
Der zweite Weltkrieg und der Kalte Krieg veränderten nicht nur das Verhältnis zwischen Militär, I... more Der zweite Weltkrieg und der Kalte Krieg veränderten nicht nur das Verhältnis zwischen Militär, Industrie und Wissenschaft, sondern auch die wissenschaftli- che Praxis von Physikern und anderen Wissenschaftlern. In den 1950er Jahren stellte die Entwicklung von ...
ABSTRACT Voici un siècle, la découverte de la supraconductivité fut le fruit d'une p... more ABSTRACT Voici un siècle, la découverte de la supraconductivité fut le fruit d'une politique déterminée des Pays-Bas de soutien à la recherche et l'enseignement pour maintenir leur rang, et de l'obstination d'un élève de Van der Waals, Heike Kamerlingh Onnes, qui ...
C'est en appliquant ce programme que le 8 avril 1911, Gilles Holst, étudiant en thèse au laborato... more C'est en appliquant ce programme que le 8 avril 1911, Gilles Holst, étudiant en thèse au laboratoire en charge des mesures électriques, et Kamerlingh Onnes observèrent le résultat inattendu que constituait la disparition brutale de la résistance électrique du mercure à 4,19K ; la supraconductibilité était née. Très vite, d'autres métaux exhibèrent cette même propriété, tels l'étain et le plomb. La supraconductivité : un siècle d'une science en société Article proposé par : Jean Matricon, Professeur émérite, Université Paris 7 Georges Waysand, Laboratoire Souterrain Bas Bruit, UMS 2202, CNRS / Obs. Côte d'Azur, Rustrel Leyden fut de 1908 à 1923 le seul endroit au monde où l'hélium était liquéfié. Application ex nihilo de
European Journal for Philosophy of Science volume , 2021
The “practice turn” in philosophy of science has strengthened the connections between philosophy ... more The “practice turn” in philosophy of science has strengthened the connections between philosophy and scientific practice. Apart from reinvigorating philosophy of science, this also increases the relevance of philosophical research for science, society, and science education. In this paper, we reflect on our extensive experience with teaching mandatory philosophy of science courses to science students from a range of programs at University of Copenhagen. We highlight some of the lessons we have learned in making philosophy of science “fit for teaching” outside of philosophy circles by taking selected cases from the students’ own field as the starting point. We argue for adapting philosophy of science teaching to particular audiences of science students, and discuss the benefits of drawing on research within science education to inform curriculum and course design. This involves reconsidering teaching resources, assumptions about students, intended learning outcomes, and teaching formats. We also argue that to make philosophy of science relevant and engaging to science students, it is important to consider their potential career trajectories. By anticipating future contexts and situations in which methodological, conceptual, and ethical questions could be relevant, philosophy of science can demonstrate its value in the education of science students.
Annual Review of Condensed Matter Physics, Mar 2017
Arnold Sommerfeld (1868–1951), one of the founders of modern theoretical physics and a pioneer of... more Arnold Sommerfeld (1868–1951), one of the founders of modern theoretical physics and a pioneer of quantum theory, was no condensed matter physicist. He nevertheless played a crucial role for the history of the field. Besides his important contributions to the study of condensed matter systems, among which his seminal electron gas theory of metallic conduction probably stands out, he influenced the field through his very approach to science, through his way of “doing” physics. Sommerfeld’s specific style permeated not only his research but also his teaching and his promoting of physics. This has had a lasting influence on the practices of physicists to this day, and not only, but importantly, on those of condensed matter physicists. This article aims to provide a concise account of Sommerfeld’s influence on the study of condensed matter systems, with regard to both his research and his practice.
In the 1970s, the reinterpretation of renormalization group techniques in terms of effective fiel... more In the 1970s, the reinterpretation of renormalization group techniques in terms of effective field theories and their subsequent rapid development led to a major reinterpretation of the entire renormalization program, originally formulated in the late 1940s within quantum electrodynamics (QED). A more gradual shift in its interpretation, however, occurred already in the early-to-mid-1950s when renormalization techniques were transferred to solid-state and nuclear physics and helped establish the notion of effective or quasi-particles, emergent entities that are not to be found in the original, microscopic description of the theory. We study how the methods of QED, when applied in different contexts, gave rise to this ontological reinterpretation.
As part of an attempt to establish a new understanding of the earliest applications of quantum me... more As part of an attempt to establish a new understanding of the earliest applications of quantum mechanics and their importance to the overall development of quantum theory, this paper reexamines the role of research on molecular structure in the transition from the so-called old quantum theory to quantum mechanics and in the two years immediately following this shift (1926–1928). We argue on two bases against the common tendency to marginalize the contribution of these researches. First, because these applications addressed issues of longstanding interest to physicists, which they hoped, if not expected, a complete quantum theory to address, and for which they had already developed methods under the old quantum theory that would remain valid under the new mechanics. Second, because generating these applications was one of, if not the, principal means by which physicists clarified the unity, generality, and physical meaning of quantum mechanics, thereby reworking the theory into its now commonly recognized form, as well as developing an understanding of the kinds of predictions it generated and the ways in which these differed from those of the earlier classical mechanics. More broadly, we hope with this article to provide a new viewpoint on the importance of problem solving to scientific research and theory construction, one that might complement recent work on its role in science pedagogy.
The random-phase approximation (RPA) as an approach for computing the electronic correlation ener... more The random-phase approximation (RPA) as an approach for computing the electronic correlation energy is reviewed. After a brief account of its basic concept and historical development, the paper is devoted to the theoretical formulations of RPA, and its applications to realistic systems. With several illustrating applications, we discuss the implications of RPA for computational chemistry and materials science. The computational cost of RPA is also addressed which is critical for its widespread use in future applications. In addition, current correction schemes going beyond RPA and directions of further development will be discussed.
Studies In History and Philosophy of Science Part B: …, 2011
The analysis of Erwin Schr ödinger's first major theoretical work demonstrates his early commitme... more The analysis of Erwin Schr ödinger's first major theoretical work demonstrates his early commitment to Boltzmann's statistical-mechanical tradition, which also influenced his later contributions to quantum theory. It further reveals two central elements of his research style: The extension and modification of works by others, and the extensive use of analogies. Schr ödinger extended Debye's theory of liquid dielectrics using Langevin's and Weiss's theories of magnetism, taking a formal analogy between mathematical laws of two separate phenomena as an indication for a physical analogy between them. His approach followed his commitment to ''scientific realism''. Schr ödinger attributed ''reality'' to the basic assumptions of a theory and therefore explored their consequences in various domains. For him, accordance with experimental findings proved the correctness of his assumptions. Following this methodology, Schr ödinger advanced a kinetic (i.e., statistical) theory of solid dielectrics. His 1912 theory explained the behavior of solid dielectrics in an external electric field, piezoelectricity, pyroelectricity, and the change of melting temperature with pressure. It even provided a microphysical explanation for solidification itself. These explanations, however, required several rather speculative and doubtful assumptions, stemming from Schr ödinger's reliance on analogy. This illustrates one of the pitfalls of the use of analogies.
In the 1830s, W. R. Hamilton established a formal analogy between optics and mechanics by constru... more In the 1830s, W. R. Hamilton established a formal analogy between optics and mechanics by constructing a mathematical equivalence between the extremum principles of ray optics (Fermat's principle) and corpuscular mechanics (Maupertuis's principle). Almost a century later, this optical-mechanical analogy played a central role in the development of wave mechanics. Schrödinger was well acquainted with Hamilton's analogy through earlier studies. From Schrödinger's research notebooks, we show how he used the analogy as a heuristic tool to develop de Broglie's ideas about matter waves and how the role of the analogy in his thinking changed from a heuristic tool into a formal constraint on possible wave equations. We argue that Schrödinger only understood the full impact of the optical-mechanical analogy during the preparation of his second communication on wave mechanics: Classical mechanics is an approximation to the new undulatory mechanics, just as ray optics is an approximation to wave optics. This completion of the analogy convinced Schrödinger to stick to a realist interpretation of the wave function, in opposition to the emerging mainstream. The transformations in Schrödinger's use of the optical-mechanical analogy can be traced in his research notebooks, which offer a much more complete picture of the development of wave mechanics than has been previously thought possible.
Der zweite Weltkrieg und der Kalte Krieg veränderten nicht nur das Verhältnis zwischen Militär, I... more Der zweite Weltkrieg und der Kalte Krieg veränderten nicht nur das Verhältnis zwischen Militär, Industrie und Wissenschaft, sondern auch die wissenschaftli- che Praxis von Physikern und anderen Wissenschaftlern. In den 1950er Jahren stellte die Entwicklung von ...
ABSTRACT Voici un siècle, la découverte de la supraconductivité fut le fruit d'une p... more ABSTRACT Voici un siècle, la découverte de la supraconductivité fut le fruit d'une politique déterminée des Pays-Bas de soutien à la recherche et l'enseignement pour maintenir leur rang, et de l'obstination d'un élève de Van der Waals, Heike Kamerlingh Onnes, qui ...
C'est en appliquant ce programme que le 8 avril 1911, Gilles Holst, étudiant en thèse au laborato... more C'est en appliquant ce programme que le 8 avril 1911, Gilles Holst, étudiant en thèse au laboratoire en charge des mesures électriques, et Kamerlingh Onnes observèrent le résultat inattendu que constituait la disparition brutale de la résistance électrique du mercure à 4,19K ; la supraconductibilité était née. Très vite, d'autres métaux exhibèrent cette même propriété, tels l'étain et le plomb. La supraconductivité : un siècle d'une science en société Article proposé par : Jean Matricon, Professeur émérite, Université Paris 7 Georges Waysand, Laboratoire Souterrain Bas Bruit, UMS 2202, CNRS / Obs. Côte d'Azur, Rustrel Leyden fut de 1908 à 1923 le seul endroit au monde où l'hélium était liquéfié. Application ex nihilo de
The publication of Thomas S. Kuhn’s "Structure of Scientific Revolutions" in 1962 stands for a tu... more The publication of Thomas S. Kuhn’s "Structure of Scientific Revolutions" in 1962 stands for a turning point in the history and philosophy of science. The repercussions of this work have rearticulated the theoretical framework of history and philosophy of science and have also generated discussions that contributed to the formation of the communities of historians as well as philosophers of science in many parts of the world. Different approaches to history of science have since emerged and most of them have the "Structure" as their reference point. In October 2012, a conference at the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science brought together some of the historians of science whose work has played a decisive role in the ways history of science has evolved as a field of research in the past 50 years, both intellectually and institutionally. This volume gathers reflections by many of these historians on the history of the history of science, based on the presentations and discussions at the conference. The topics covered range from personal recollections of working with Thomas Kuhn to broad overviews of the historical development of the history of science as a discipline in the past half-century. The series Proceedings of the Max Planck Research Library for the History and Development of Knowledge presents the results of scientific meetings on current issues and supports further cooperation on these issues via an electronic platform. The volumes are available both as print-on-demand books and as open-access publications on the Internet. The material is freely accessible online at www.edition-open-access.de.
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