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Tag Archives: physics
The twin/postmen paradox
Einstein’s twin paradox is more familiar to us than we think. Then why does it feel so strange? I promised my students some extra guidance, so I wrote this post. [For a course I am currently teaching at a university … Continue reading
Posted in Philosophy of Physics
Tagged Einstein, philosophy, physics, relativity, twin paradox
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Understanding the Quantum
My propoposal, “Quantum Theory Is Not As Strange As We Think (or is classical physics stranger than we think?)”, has been accepted by the organisers of the annual conference of the German Physics Society. I am proud of that! I … Continue reading
Posted in Philosophy of Mathematics, Philosophy of Physics
Tagged philosophy, physics, quantisation, quantum theory
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Lecture: Newton & Einstein – physics meets philosophy
This Wednesday I’m giving a “pub lecture”: the lecture is both public and in a pub. Drop by if you’re interested! Location: “proeflokaal Faas (Zwaanshals 248, Rotterdam)” (google maps) Attendance is free; no reservation required. Time: 20.00 It is a … Continue reading
Posted in Philosophy of Mathematics, Philosophy of Physics
Tagged Einstein, Newton, philosophy, physics
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What is the philosophy of physics?
Physics and its philosophy Physics is the search for a mathematical model which describes the phenomena around us. New physics usually starts with observing something that cannot be explained, after which a hypothesis is formulated which explains the observations. The … Continue reading
Binnenkort in Amsterdam:
Posted in Paraclimbing, Philosophy of Physics
Tagged disability, Paraclimbing, philosophy, physics
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What Is Mathematics?
Mathematics is a language. More specifically, mathematics is the language that scientists use to organise and order observations. For example, physicists may describe falling stones in terms of mathematical concepts like parabolas and perfect spheres and sociologists describe their observations … Continue reading
Posted in Philosophy of Mathematics
Tagged formalism, game, intuitionism, language, mathematics, philosophy, physics, platonism
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PhD Dissertation
I have defended my PhD dissertation on 13/07/2017 in Utrecht. Below you can find the documents which have kept me busy for several years: Preface (English) Samenvatting (Nederlands) Gearfetting (Frysk) Complete Dissertation
Posted in Philosophy of Mathematics, Philosophy of Physics
Tagged Kant, mathematics, physics, Probability
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Does Science Describe Reality?
In the philosophy of science there is a debate about whether scientific theories tell us what the world is really like, or whether scientific theories are nothing more than ‘tools’ or ‘instruments’ – useful for making predictions, but not for … Continue reading
What Is A Dimension?
In sci-fi movies there is often talk of “going to another dimension” as if there is some kind of barrier in between dimensions that can be crossed only if the circumstances are very special – usually the filmmakers are … Continue reading
How Natural Is The Natural Logarithm?
Why is the natural logarithm called ‘natural’? Continue reading
Posted in Philosophy of Mathematics, Philosophy of Physics
Tagged logarithm, logic, mathematics, natural, physics, statistics
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