The department of philosophy of the University of Amsterdam hereby reminds you that you are cordially invited to the fourth meeting of the APES seminar of the academic year 2016-2017:

Can we understand the black hole information paradox debate by studying its history?

Jeroen van Dongen & Sebastian de Haro (UvA, Vossius Center)

 Thursday 23 Feb 2017, 4-6pm
Department of Philosophy, Faculty Room
Oude Turfmarkt 141-147, Amsterdam

 Abstract:

In 1976, following his earlier result that black holes evaporate, Stephen Hawking proposed that they also introduce a fundamental non-unitary evolution of quantum states. It appears that this claim was generally well received, until a substantial number of articles in the mid-1980s began disputing it. Many of their authors were primarily at home in quantum field theory rather than general relativity, while relativists appeared to side with Hawking’s perspective. Hawking, meanwhile, in 1982 formulated a formal version of his non-unitary evolution scenario, as particle physicists quickly claimed that this produced problems with energy conservation. The debate was gridlocked for an extensive period, even though it gained prominence and attracted an ever greater number of discussants. Can we understand the gridlock if we view both sides as at home in different ‘cultures of theory’, in which translation problems and a lack of shared theoretical values prevailed? Yet, what may then explain the motion towards consensus that the last decade has shown? And can we identify ‘principle’ vs. ‘constructive’ approaches in attempts to resolve the issues? In this talk, we will try to see if the quantum black hole problem, a typical ‘borderline problem’ in which general relativity, quantum theory, and thermodynamics meet, can be enlightened by the studying the dynamics of its history.

APES [Amsterdam Philosophy Encounters Science & Society]

APES is the place where Amsterdam-based philosophers of science based discuss about their specialised work in progress, about their experience in communicating to the public or to policy makers, run meta-philosophical reflections about their discipline, academia, society, and much more. Anyone interested in hearing and contributing to discussion about science, society, philosophy of science, or any combination of these, is most welcome to our meetings.

For more information, please contact Federica Russo (f.russo@uva.nl) or Boris Demarest (b.demarest@uva.nl), or visit our website or facebook page.