Most Philosophical Modern Physicist?

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The discussion centers on identifying modern physicists with significant philosophical backgrounds. Participants highlight that early quantum physicists had well-rounded educations, which may have influenced their philosophical insights. Steven Weinberg is noted for his philosophical writings, particularly in "Facing Up: Science and Its Cultural Adversaries," which addresses societal and philosophical issues. Robert Laughlin's "A Different Universe: Reinventing Physics from the Bottom Down" is recognized for its philosophical stance against Reductionism, referencing Phil Anderson's essay "More is Different." Other physicists mentioned include Stephen M. Barr, known for his theoretical work and philosophical contributions, and Freeman Dyson, who is appreciated for his historical knowledge of science. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the intersection of physics and philosophy among notable contemporary physicists.
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Which modern physicist has also the best philosophical background?

It seems the founders of quantum had a more well-rounded education http://www.u.arizona.edu/~aversa/scholastic/3.%20J.%20Weisheipl,%20%22The%20Dignity%20of%20Science.%20Studies%20in%20the%20Philosophy%20of%20Science%20Presented%20to%20William%20Humbert%20Kane%20OP,%22%20The%20Thomist%2024%20(1961).pdf" ?
 
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I used that book as a reference for a term paper that I wrote in an undergraduate class. While it is good, it is outdated due to all the advancement in physics in the last 3 decades, which is a lot!

I would say that Steven Weinberg has a lot of philosophical writings (and a few counter-religious ones too). His book "Facing Up: Science and Its Cultural Adversaries" deals not only societal issues, but philosophical as well. And I would argue that Robert Laughlin's "A Different Universe: Reinventing Physics from the Bottom Down" is utterly philosophical in nature as one of the strongest argument against Reductionism, deriving from Phil Anderson's infamous "More is Different" essay.

So I would consider all three as having strong philosophical leanings, beside being top-notch physicists.

Zz.
 
ZapperZ said:
I used that book as a reference for a term paper that I wrote in an undergraduate class. While it is good, it is outdated due to all the advancement in physics in the last 3 decades, which is a lot!
Yes, but I doubt Aspect's experiment, e.g., would have changed the meat of his philosophical conclusions.
ZapperZ said:
I would say that Steven Weinberg has a lot of philosophical writings (and a few counter-religious ones too). His book "Facing Up: Science and Its Cultural Adversaries" deals not only societal issues, but philosophical as well. And I would argue that Robert Laughlin's "A Different Universe: Reinventing Physics from the Bottom Down" is utterly philosophical in nature as one of the strongest argument against Reductionism, deriving from Phil Anderson's infamous "More is Different" essay.

So I would consider all three as having strong philosophical leanings, beside being top-notch physicists.
I have heard of A Different Universe. Have you heard of Stephen M. Barr? He is a theoretical physicist from the U. of Delaware, and he wrote https://www.amazon.com/dp/0268021988/?tag=pfamazon01-20.
 
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Freeman Dyson. Knows the history of science well too.
 

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