Quantum Physics, Relativity, Epistemology, and Logic

Flashcards about Quantum Physics, Relativity, and Epistemology

What is Quantum Mechanics?

The study of physics at the smallest scale, like atoms, where things act differently than bigger objects.

What is the Uncertainty Principle?

You can’t fully know both where a particle is and how fast it’s going at the same time.

What was Einstein's view on the Uncertainty Principle?

He didn’t like it and thought the problem was our tools, not nature itself.

What is the Copenhagen Interpretation?

Some things just happen without a reason, and not all questions have answers.

What is Wave-Particle Duality?

Tiny particles (like electrons) can act like both particles and waves.

What does the Double Slit Experiment demonstrate?

Electrons create a wave-like pattern, showing they act like both particles and waves.

What is the Many Worlds Interpretation?

Every possibility actually happens—in a different universe.

What are the key ideas of Special Relativity?

Space and time are connected, and moving really fast changes how time passes.

Explain the Twin Paradox.

One twin goes to space near light speed and comes back younger than the one who stayed on Earth.

What is the Second Postulate of Special Relativity?

The speed of light is always the same—no matter how fast you're going.

What is Epistemology?

The study of knowledge—what we know and how we know it.

What is Rationalism?

The belief that some knowledge is built-in or innate.

What is Empiricism?

The belief that we're born knowing nothing—knowledge comes from experience.

What is a Necessary Truth?

A truth that is always true (like math).

What is a Contingent Truth?

A truth that is sometimes true, depending on the world/situation.

What is A Priori knowledge?

Knowledge that is known without using senses.

What is A Posteriori knowledge?

Knowledge that is known through senses.

What was Descartes’ goal in his Meditations?

Foundationalism: He wanted to rebuild knowledge from scratch, only using things that can’t be doubted.

What method did Descartes use?

Skepticism: Doubt everything to find what can’t be doubted.

What was Descartes' ultimate conclusion?

“I think, therefore I am.” → If you’re thinking, you must exist.

What is Clifford's stance on the ethics of belief?

It’s wrong to believe something without good evidence.

What is James' opposing view on faith and belief?

Sometimes faith (belief without evidence) is okay, and faith can be valid.

What are the three conditions for Propositional Knowledge?

It’s true, you believe it, and you’re justified in believing it.

What is Internalism in Theories of Justification?

Justification depends on what’s in your mind.

What is Externalism in Theories of Justification?

Justification can depend on outside factors.

Define Reliabilism.

A belief is justified if it came from a reliable method.

What do Truth Tables show?

If statements are true or false based on inputs.

In logic, what does ~P mean?

Not P

In logic, what does P & Q mean?

Both P and Q must be true

In logic, what does P ∨ Q mean?

At least one, P or Q, is true (OR)

In logic, what does P → Q mean?

If P, then Q

In logic, what does P ↔ Q mean?

P if and only if Q

In Epistemic Logic, what does BIP mean?

I believe P

In Epistemic Logic, what does JIP mean?

I'm justified in P

In Epistemic Logic, what does RIP mean?

I know P, which breaks down to (BIP & JIP & P)