Physics and Philosophy: Does Physics Need Philosophy?

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The forum discussion centers on the relationship between physics and philosophy, with participants debating whether physics requires philosophical input. Key points include Richard Feynman's assertion that the philosophy of science is crucial for scientists, and Lawrence Krauss's perspective on the obsolescence of philosophy in light of physics advancements. Participants express frustration over vague questions and emphasize the importance of understanding both fields to engage meaningfully in the discussion.

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Mohammed Alqadhi
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Does Physics need Philosophy?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Define ”need”.
 
“The philosophy of science is as useful to scientists as ornithology is to birds.” - R.P. Feynman
 
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Mohammed Alqadhi said:
Does Physics need Philosophy?

This is lazy.

You should present your own arguments, or at the very least, reveal the impetus for asking such a question. Otherwise, you are simply asking the rest of us to do the work, while you sit back after writing just a 4-word post.

A simple search would have revealed a plethora of results, including this interview with Lawrence Krauss:
https://www.theatlantic.com/technol...made-philosophy-and-religion-obsolete/256203/

Other than that, I’m too lazy to type anymore to feed this thread.

Zz.
 
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Mohammed Alqadhi said:
Does Physics need Philosophy?

For me, Philosophy is useful only if it has experimental consequence.. without this... Philosophy is just waste of time.
 
Theoretical physics (for example) is mostly philosophy, I think.
All those ideas, thoughts, and imagination which might never turn out.
 
Ivan Samsonov said:
Theoretical physics (for example) is mostly philosophy, I think.

This is silly. What exactly do you think "Philosophy" means?

You have just insulted both theorists and philosophers.

Zz.
 
ZapperZ said:
You have just insulted both theorists and philosophers

I apologise, I meant no insulting.
 
  • #10
ISamson said:
I apologise, I meant no insulting.
A good way of avoiding that is to make sure you know what you are talking about before commenting. You also did not answer ZZ's question. What do you think philosophers do? I would also like to add a question: What do you think theoretical physicists do?
 
  • #11
Mohammed Alqadhi said:
Does Physics need Philosophy?
Like a fish needs a bicycle...
 
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  • #12
Orodruin said:
What do you think philosophers do?

That's a good question and one that I touched on a bit in another thread. I don't believe that most people have any idea what philosophers do nor what philosophy actually is. I know I don't.
 

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