Scheda programma d'esame
CONCEPTS IN THE HISTORY OF PHYSICS
STEVEN NEIL SHORE
Academic year2020/21
CoursePHYSICS
Code342BB
Credits6
PeriodSemester 1
LanguageItalian

ModulesAreaTypeHoursTeacher(s)
STORIA CONCETTUALE DELLA FISICAFIS/08LEZIONI48
STEVEN NEIL SHORE unimap
Learning outcomes
Knowledge

Examination of the development of physical theories and methods from classical and mediaeval times through mid-20th century.  The details will change each year based on the students' interests and experience.   The parallel developments in Western (i.e., greco-latin) and non-Western cultures (e.g., China, India, Islam) will also enter.   Topics include: 

elementary principles of realism, space, time, displacement and change

development of kinematic and dynamical methods and the early use of geometrical and algebraic mathematical methods

concept of natural laws and regularities

use of symmetries and conservation principles from Aristotle through contemporary physics

the concept of field and active space

the role of the "paranormal" (i.e. magical thinking and methods) in the early modern period

 

Assessment criteria of knowledge

a paper based on original sources (not merely a summary ala Wikipedia), selected on consultation, examining the development of some physical concept or examining a historical development or period.

Prerequisiti (conoscenze iniziali)

lingua inglese, fisica 1,2, matematica (analise)

geometria sarebbe utile

Prerequisites

Language: English

 

other: Fisica 1,2, matematica fino a analise 2

 

 

 

Teaching methods

Lectures -- distance lecturing -- in English with bilingual discussions

Syllabus

Basic concepts of space, time, dynamics, force (from classical to 17th century)

Introduction of empirical methods to study natural phenomena

Application of mathematical reasoning to physical problems (14-19 century)

Extension to action-at-a-distance, fields (17 - 20 century)

Assessment methods

A review, written essay based on original literature, following a physical concept and its development.

Notes

Students are recommended to contact the instructor before beginning the course.

Updated: 10/09/2020 15:03