Philosophy of quantum physics

Context

The project TIQuA: Tools for Interdisciplinarity in QuantAlps is one of the winners of the call Cross  Disciplinary Tools 2022 projects, proposed by Université Grenoble Alpes as part of the University's University of Innovation Excellence Initiative. It aims, over a three-year period (2022-2025), to complete the angles of view on quantum, to deepen and diversify the subjects dealt with in the framework of the Grenoble quantum federation, QuantAlps. The themes addressed concern the dialogue between fundamental quantum research and its possible technological, social and philosophical expressions, with an emphasis on innovation and ethical approaches on the one hand, and philosophy of science and epistemological issues on the other. One of the challenges of the project also concerns the definition and implementation of sustainable forms of quantum. Since fundamental research in quantum science is today accompanied by the promise of scientific discoveries and technological innovations likely to revolutionise certain sectors of human activity and society, and since there is much talk of the "quantum revolution", TIQuA aims to prepare for these major transformations, in particular by granting a place to philosophy in order to reflect on their epistemological conditions on the one hand, and on their ethical and political issues on the other.

Project

This postdoctoral research project is part of the Work Package (WP) "Humanities for Quantum" of TIQuA, which articulates in particular the contributions of theoretical and practical philosophy. The project focuses in particular on the task “Philosophy and Foundations of quantum physics” of the WP "Humanities for Quantum".

It is well-known that current dominant realist interpretations/formulations of quantum physics are heterogeneous and often far removed from the actual research and concerns of the working physicists in quantum foundations (and even more so in the context of developing quantum technologies). So, in contrast to the sometimes dogmatic discussions on the various realist interpretations of quantum theory, our strategy is more pragmatic and consists in identifying possible common features that are central to quantum theory and that cut across (several) realist interpretations. To this aim, we will exploit the conceptual tools that have been developed in the recent decades in the philosophy and metaphysics of science, while at the same time paying attention to current developments in quantum foundations (and possibly beyond standard quantum theory, e.g. in the various research programs in quantum gravity) that may shed a new light on any realist understanding of the theory. We will thus provide solid conceptual foundations not only for a realist attitude towards quantum physics, but also for the very quantum technologies emerging from this theoretical framework. Moreover, in this context, particular attention will be paid on issues related to causation, spacetime and the laws of nature.

The post-doctoral collaborator will be co-supervised by the philosopher of science Vincent Lam (IPhiG, UGA & Institute of Philosophy, University of Bern) and the quantum physicist Cyril Branciard (Néel Institute, CNRS). Vincent Lam is responsible for the task “Philosophy and Foundations of quantum physics” of the Work Package “Humanities for Quantum” of the project TIQuA.

Missions:

• To contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge in the field of philosophy of physics and quantum foundations.
• To maintain the dialogue with the “Quantum ethics & responsible innovation” task of the WP “Humanities for Quantum” of the TIQuA project (e.g. on the role and status of quantum innovation and quantum technologies in the context of the climate and environmental challenges).    
• To organize research activities (seminars, workshops,…)

Activities:

1. Publication in leading peer-reviewed international journals and participation in relevant scientific conferences and seminars.
2. Contribution to the scientific animation of TiQuA: organization of seminars, workshops and conferences
3. Setting up scientific projects (ANR, European programs, etc.).