Science and society

DFG project: Exploring Dimensions of Epistemic Intimidation (Prof. Dr. Anna Leuschner, Dr. Manuela Fernández Pinto; running from 10/2021-9/2024). Abstract: English version, German version ('Dimensionen epistemischer Einschüchterung')

Philosophy of Physics

The hierarchy, fine tuning, and naturalness problem from a philosophical perspective (Jun.-Prof. Dr. Radin Dardashti)
The goal of this project is to analyze the conceptual origins of the naturalness principle and assess its status as a guiding principle in the construction of theories. Points of weakness in the motivations for the naturalness principle are identified both from a systematic and from a historical perspective. We further intend to explore the connection of naturalness to the foundations of renormalization theory and issues of reduction and emergence, and to consider applications of naturalness in other areas of physics, including the cosmological constant problem and the strong-CP problem.
More information can be found at the project website "The Epistemology of the Large Hadron Colider".

The Impact of Computer Simulations and Machine Learning on the Epistemic Status of LHC Data (Prof. Dr. Christian Zeitnitz, Prof. Dr. Gregor Schiemann)
Computer simulations (CSs) and machine learning (ML) are important tools for experimental data generation and analysis in contemporary high-energy physics (HEP). In this project, we address epistemic issues related to this use of CS and ML in HEP.
The project’s future objectives are: To address the possibility of concealed uncertainties induced by the use of CSs and ML in HEP; to define the precise sense of robustness that CSs and ML enjoy in HEP; and to understand epistemological challenges arising from CSs’ and ML’s purported opacity, and their management in HEP.
An important concept for our research is that of an epistemic risk, broadly construed. We will use this concept to investigate the impact of CSs and ML on the discovery potential of the experiment. Among other things, this will include an assessment of the scope and epistemological underpinnings of the management of uncertainties in HEP, when these are induced by the use of CSs and ML.
You can find more information on the website of "The Epistemology of the Large Hadron Colider".

Philosophy of Science

Trusting Scientific Theories: A Unified Account of Scientific Methodology (Jun.-Prof. Dr. Radin Dardashti)
The aim of this project is to create a methodological map in order to assess and compare methods of natural scientific research. This map can be used to answer questions of plurality of scientific methods (interrelations and differences between experiments, simulations, thought experiments and analog experiments), to assess "scientificness" of (non-) meta-empirical methods as well as to assess potential progress of science by non-experimental methods.

Lifeworld and Science (Prof. Dr. Gregor Schiemann)
The relationship of lifeworld and science is changing - with an open end. The driving factor of this process is science by enabling mechanization and providing new knowledge. Although the scientification of society continues to advance, the lifeworld still exists on its own.
Finding out more about this amazing phenomenon is the aim of a monography that will demonstrate structural differences of both modes of experience and how they exist with and against each other.
The studies are guided by concepts, the theory of science, and phenomenology, and are based on a concept of science that also encompasses the technical sciences. All examples focus on natural sciences and the concept of nature itself.

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