Physics has traditionally been (and still is) concerned with finding lawlike, reproducible behavior in the physical world; so it is significant that in the last century the concept of random chance has played an essential role in physics. In this course, we study a number of specific theories and arguments that have invoked the idea of randomness, and we consider the philosophical justifications and implications of the claims about randomness that these theories entail. Specific topics include the following: the microscopic theory of heat, the origin of the arrow of time, Planck's probabilistic argument which first suggested the existence of quanta, Bohr's interpretation of quantum mechanics versus Einstein's "God does not play dice," deterministic chaos, and the relevance or irrelevance of indeterminism for the question of free will. The course is designed for nonmajors who are comfortable with mathematical reasoning at the level of Mathematics 103. No prior knowledge of physics is assumed. Evaluation will be based on homework, a midterm, a 5- to 7-page paper, and a final exam. Prerequisite: Mathematics 103.
WOOTTERS