Teaching
Courses I teach regularly:
History and Philosophy of Physics (PHIL/PHYS 4450/5450)
This course will introduce students to some of the foundational issues in physics: methodological history of physics, including notions of observation, verification, and interpretation; development of special and general relativistic spacetime from Galilean and Aristotelian space and time; Statistical mechanics and chance, including the emergence of the direction of time, agency, and causation; Quantum mechanics, the measurement problem, non-locality, and realist interpretations; and Laws of nature, causation, and explanation. syllabus
Metaphysics (PHIL 4360)
In this course we will consider some of the big questions in metaphysics: What exists? What are properties? What is fundamental? What is space? What is time? How do objects and people persist through time? Do we have free will? Does God exist? syllabus
Intro to Philosophy of Science (PHIL 1400)
This course explores the methods of science (epistemology), the interpretation of science (metaphysics), and the values in science (ethics). What makes science trustworthy? What is a scientific theory and how do theories change over time? What do our scientific theories tell us about the world? What are the values for the practice and application of science? We will discuss a variety of contemporary issues for philosophy of science including quantum entanglement, special relativity, evolution, time travel, exobiology, psychedelics, science reporting, and the ethics of enhancement.
Introduction to Philosophy (PHIL 1000)
This class will provide an introduction to some central ideas in philosophy. Who are we? What should we do with our lives? Can we act freely? Does God exist? syllabus
Philosophy of Physics and Cosmology for non-majors
This class will cover the conceptual issues that arise in physics and cosmology (space, time, statistical mechanics, probability, special relativity, general relativity, quantum mechanics, and the big bang). While it does not presuppose any background in math or physics, it covers issues that are conceptually very challenging. Therefore, students ought to anticipate spending a great deal of time outside of class to master the readings and review lecture material. syllabus
Self and Identity
Who are you? Who were you? Who will you be? Can you act freely? How does society define you? How do you define yourself? How would you like to change yourself? syllabus