Philosophy of Physics

 

Modern physics rests on two firm theoretical pillars, namely, quantum theory and general relativity. Both theoretical frameworks enjoy huge empirical success and have wide technological applications. It is then plausible to assume that each of these theories captures some relevant features of reality. Against this background, the research group in the philosophy of physics has two main aims. The first goal is to investigate which ontic commitments towards the physical world are best supported by quantum and general relativistic physics. The second aim is to consider to what extent these commitments should be modified when trying to merge quantum theory and general relativity into a theory of quantum gravity. 

 

Selected publications

  • A. Vassallo and D. Romano. The Metaphysics of Decoherence. Erkenntnis, DOI 10.1007/s10670-021-00469-8, 2021.
  • A. Solé and A. Vassallo. Quantum foundations in a nutshell. Metascience, DOI 10.1007/s11016-021-00707-3, 2021
  • A. Vassallo. Does general relativity highlight necessary connections in nature? Synthese, 199:4929–4951, 2021.

 Selected grant

  • “Self-subsisting structures in quantum gravity”. NCN grant OPUS ref. 2019/33/B/HS1/01772. PI: Antonio Vassallo. Official website

 

Contact

More information is available on the website of the Philosophy of Physics Group.