Philosophy of Physics Reading Group
The Philosophy of Physics Reading Group (hosted by University College Dublin) invites anyone interested in exploring the philosophy of physics—regardless of prior knowledge—to join us! The group is an ideal starting point for those new to the field, as well as an engaging forum for those looking to deepen their understanding.
Group Overview: Organized and facilitated by Dr. Rachel Russell, the reading group explores foundational questions in the philosophy of physics. Topics include:
Each session focuses on a stand-alone journal article, making it easy for participants to join at any time during the term.
Spring Term 2026 (January- April) This term, the group will hold regular monthly meetings, as well as two joint sessions with the Science X Philosophy Reading Group at UChicago. All sessions are hybrid: participants can attend in person at the UCD School of Philosophy Agnes Cuming Seminar Room (D520) or join online via Zoom.
Schedule Highlights: Find the full schedule, including topics and readings for each session, below. Sessions will cover a diverse range of philosophical and scientific perspectives, fostering insightful discussions.
Philosophy of Physics Reading Group Schedule Spring 2026
3.30-4.30pm (Irish time), Fri, 30th January:
D520, School of Philosophy, UCD, Newman Building, Fifth Floor AND online
(Regular Session)
Reconciling the Symmetric Laws of Physics with the Open Future.
‘The Open Universe: Totality, Self-reference and Time’, Jenann Ismael (2024) [RG Member Suggestion]
6-7pm (Irish time), Wed, 18th February:
D520, School of Philosophy, UCD, Newman Building, Fifth Floor AND online
(Joint Session UChicago - Science X Philosophy)
[Philosophy of Science General: Evolutionary Biology]
‘Evolution and Tinkering’, Francois Jacob (1977)
3.30-4.30pm (Irish time), Fri, 27th February:
D520, School of Philosophy, UCD, Newman Building, Fifth Floor AND online
(Regular Session)
Becoming, Quantum Mechanics and Relativity
‘De Broglie Waves as the “Bridge of Becoming” Between Quantum Theory and Relativity’, Ruth E. Kastner (2013) [RG Member Suggestion]
AND/OR
[Optional Background] ‘Becoming as a Bridge Between Quantum Mechanics and Relativity’, Elitzur & Dolev (2005) [RG Member Suggestion]
5-6pm (Irish time), Wed, 18th March:
D520, School of Philosophy, UCD, Newman Building, Fifth Floor AND online
(Joint Session UChicago - Science X Philosophy)
Philosophy and Cosmology
‘Is Philosophy Relevant to Cosmology?’, Ernan McMullin (1981)
2-3pm (Irish time), Fri, 27th March:
D520, School of Philosophy, UCD, Newman Building, Fifth Floor AND online
(Regular Session)
Atemporal Eternalism
‘String Theory, Loop Quantum Gravity and Eternalism’, Baptiste Le Bihan (2020)
6-7pm (Irish time), Mon, 27th April:
D520, School of Philosophy, UCD, Newman Building, Fifth Floor AND online
(Regular Session)
Quantum Physics and Consciousness
‘Consciousness in the Universe: A review of the ‘Orch OR’ theory’, Hameroff & Penrose (2013) [RG Member Suggestion]
How to Join: Whether you’re a student, researcher, or simply curious about the intersections of philosophy and physics, we encourage you to participate. For further details, or to join, please contact Rachel Russell at [email protected]. We hope to see you there and look forward to engaging discussions!
The Philosophy of Physics Reading Group (hosted by University College Dublin) invites anyone interested in exploring the philosophy of physics—regardless of prior knowledge—to join us! The group is an ideal starting point for those new to the field, as well as an engaging forum for those looking to deepen their understanding.
Group Overview: Organized and facilitated by Dr. Rachel Russell, the reading group explores foundational questions in the philosophy of physics. Topics include:
- Time and the Nature of Reality
- Space and Spacetime
- The Ontology of Physics
- Philosophical Interpretations of Special and General Relativity
- Scientific Methodologies
- Philosophy of Quantum Theory
- Quantum Mechanics and Consciousness
- Philosophy and Cosmology
Each session focuses on a stand-alone journal article, making it easy for participants to join at any time during the term.
Spring Term 2026 (January- April) This term, the group will hold regular monthly meetings, as well as two joint sessions with the Science X Philosophy Reading Group at UChicago. All sessions are hybrid: participants can attend in person at the UCD School of Philosophy Agnes Cuming Seminar Room (D520) or join online via Zoom.
Schedule Highlights: Find the full schedule, including topics and readings for each session, below. Sessions will cover a diverse range of philosophical and scientific perspectives, fostering insightful discussions.
Philosophy of Physics Reading Group Schedule Spring 2026
3.30-4.30pm (Irish time), Fri, 30th January:
D520, School of Philosophy, UCD, Newman Building, Fifth Floor AND online
(Regular Session)
Reconciling the Symmetric Laws of Physics with the Open Future.
‘The Open Universe: Totality, Self-reference and Time’, Jenann Ismael (2024) [RG Member Suggestion]
6-7pm (Irish time), Wed, 18th February:
D520, School of Philosophy, UCD, Newman Building, Fifth Floor AND online
(Joint Session UChicago - Science X Philosophy)
[Philosophy of Science General: Evolutionary Biology]
‘Evolution and Tinkering’, Francois Jacob (1977)
3.30-4.30pm (Irish time), Fri, 27th February:
D520, School of Philosophy, UCD, Newman Building, Fifth Floor AND online
(Regular Session)
Becoming, Quantum Mechanics and Relativity
‘De Broglie Waves as the “Bridge of Becoming” Between Quantum Theory and Relativity’, Ruth E. Kastner (2013) [RG Member Suggestion]
AND/OR
[Optional Background] ‘Becoming as a Bridge Between Quantum Mechanics and Relativity’, Elitzur & Dolev (2005) [RG Member Suggestion]
5-6pm (Irish time), Wed, 18th March:
D520, School of Philosophy, UCD, Newman Building, Fifth Floor AND online
(Joint Session UChicago - Science X Philosophy)
Philosophy and Cosmology
‘Is Philosophy Relevant to Cosmology?’, Ernan McMullin (1981)
2-3pm (Irish time), Fri, 27th March:
D520, School of Philosophy, UCD, Newman Building, Fifth Floor AND online
(Regular Session)
Atemporal Eternalism
‘String Theory, Loop Quantum Gravity and Eternalism’, Baptiste Le Bihan (2020)
6-7pm (Irish time), Mon, 27th April:
D520, School of Philosophy, UCD, Newman Building, Fifth Floor AND online
(Regular Session)
Quantum Physics and Consciousness
‘Consciousness in the Universe: A review of the ‘Orch OR’ theory’, Hameroff & Penrose (2013) [RG Member Suggestion]
How to Join: Whether you’re a student, researcher, or simply curious about the intersections of philosophy and physics, we encourage you to participate. For further details, or to join, please contact Rachel Russell at [email protected]. We hope to see you there and look forward to engaging discussions!
