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What Is and Why Do We Need Philosophy of Physics?

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Abstract

Philosophy of physics is a small but thriving research field situated at the intersection between the natural sciences and the humanities. However, what exactly distinguishes philosophy of physics from physics is rarely made explicit in much depth. We provide a detailed analysis in the form of eleven theses, delineating both the nature of the questions asked in philosophy of physics and the methodology with which they are addressed.

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Notes

  1. These include besides the ones mentioned in the text: Cushing (1998), Esfeld (2012), d'Espagnat (2000), Kosso (1998), Scheibe (2006), Sklar (1992), and Torretti (1999).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Abteilung Philosophie, Universität Bielefeld, 33501, Bielefeld, Germany

    Meinard Kuhlmann

  2. Munich Center for Technology in Society, Technische Universität München, 80333, Munich, Germany

    Wolfgang Pietsch

Authors
  1. Meinard Kuhlmann
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  2. Wolfgang Pietsch
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Correspondence to Meinard Kuhlmann or Wolfgang Pietsch.

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Kuhlmann, M., Pietsch, W. What Is and Why Do We Need Philosophy of Physics?. J Gen Philos Sci 43, 209–214 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10838-012-9204-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10838-012-9204-2

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