@thebjps.bsky.social
Latest issue: https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/toc/bjps/current BJPS Review of Books: https://www.thebsps.org/reviewofbooks/ BJPS Short Reads: https://www.thebsps.org/short-reads/ Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bjps
"The wave function of the universe is like a cosmic secret that physics itself conspires to keep."
New Scientist covers recent work by Eddy Keming Chen & Roderich Tumulka published in the BJPS:
www.newscientist.com/article/2513...
Link to the (free) paper in next comment.
#philsci #philsky #hps
Here's the (free to read) paper:
Typical Quantum States of the Universe Are Observationally Indistinguishable
– Eddy Keming Chen & Roderich Tumulka
www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/...
"The wave function of the universe is like a cosmic secret that physics itself conspires to keep."
New Scientist covers recent work by Eddy Keming Chen & Roderich Tumulka published in the BJPS:
www.newscientist.com/article/2513...
Link to the (free) paper in next comment.
#philsci #philsky #hps
ABSTRACT. If a proposition is typically true, given your evidence, then you should believe that proposition; or so I argue here. In particular, I propose and defend a principle of rationality—call it the typical principle—that links rational belief to facts about what is typical. As I show, this principle avoids several problems that other, seemingly similar principles face. And as I also show, in many cases this principle implies the verdicts of the principal principle. Ultimately, the typical principle may be the more fundamental of the two.
From the new issue:
The Typical Principle
– Isaac Wilhelm
Abstract in alt text or read it here:
www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/...
#philsci #philsky
ABSTRACT. Recent work in judgement and decision-making has stressed that institutions, like individuals, often rely on decision-making heuristics. But most of the institutional decision-making heuristics studied to date are highly firm- and industry-specific. This contrasts to the individual case, where many heuristics are general-purpose rules suitable for a wide range of decision problems. Are there also general-purpose heuristics for institutional decision-making? In this article, I argue that a number of methods recently developed for decision-making under deep uncertainty have a good claim to be understood as general-purpose decision-making heuristics suitable for a broad range of institutional decision problems.
From the latest issue:
General-Purpose Institutional Decision-Making Heuristics: The Case of Decision-Making under Deep Uncertainty
– David Thorstad
Abstract in alt text or read it here:
www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/...
#philsci #philsky
ABSTRACT. Machine learning sits at the intersection of statistics and computer science, raising the question of its underlying methodology. While much has been made of the link between the process of learning from data and induction, the falsificationist component of machine learning has received less attention. We argue that falsification is central to machine learning methodology. It is often thought that machine learning algorithms infer general prediction rules from past observations. But these algorithms can also be described as choosing one prediction rule from an entire class of functions. In particular, the algorithm that determines the weights of an artificial neural network operates by risk minimization, rejecting prediction rules that lack empirical adequacy. It also exhibits a behaviour of implicit regularization, pushing hypothesis choice towards simpler prediction rules. Taking both aspects together, we give a falsificationist account of artificial neural networks.
From the latest issue:
A Falsificationist Account of Artificial Neural Networks
– Oliver Buchholz & Eric Raidl
Abstract in alt text or free to read here:
www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/...
#philsci #philsky
ABSTRACT. Although the urgency of our present environmental crises is not in doubt, claims that we are in the midst of a sixth mass extinction are highly controversial. Our aims here are, first, to shed philosophical light on this scientific debate—the many conceptual and methodological challenges involved in answering this scientific question—and, second, to offer new perspectives on what the value of asking this question has been, and if that value persists. We argue that a straightforward answer to the question of whether we are experiencing a mass extinction is undermined by the challenges in defining ‘mass extinction’, uncertainties in past and present diversity assessments, and data incommensurabilities. Further, an excessive focus on the mass extinction framing can be unhelpful to conservation efforts, leading us to miss out on the many other valuable insights that Earth’s deep time can offer in guiding our future.
From the latest issue:
Are We in a Sixth Mass Extinction? The Challenges of Answering and Value of Asking
– Federica Bocchi, Alisa Bokulich, Leticia Castillo Brache, Gloria Grand-Pierre & Aja Watkins
Abstract in alt text or read it here:
www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1...
#philsci #philsky
New letter to the Editors:
Christian Loew & Siegfried Jaag
On Laws and Counterfactuals: A Response to Lange
Read it here: www.thebsps.org/letters/loew...
#philsci #philsky
I diagnose the problem in quantum thermodynamics of generalizing classical work into the quantum domain. I begin with the no-go theorem: no universal measurement scheme for quantum work satisfies two intuitive, classically consilient desiderata. I assess this incompatibility as stemming from the measurement problem. Decoherence restores compatibility for all practical purposes but raises questions about what ‘universality' should mean and whether any measurement scheme can be universal. I consider a different standard of universality—in terms of ontology—by defining a trajectory-based notion of quantum work using the quantum potential. While this preserves the classical role of work as the integral of forces over distances and evades the tension of the no-go theorem, consilience fails elsewhere; no single quantum work concept seems capable of preserving all classical features, raising questions for what it takes for successful generalization of the concept to quantum thermodynamics.
Just accepted:
Looking for Work in Quantum Thermodynamics
– Eugene Chua
Abstract in alt text or read it here: www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/740608
#philsci #philsky
ABSTRACT. Newton's gravitational theory is a hard case for scientific realists, as despite its overwhelming empirical success, what the theory tells us about the nature of gravitational forces seems to be inconsistent with our current best theory of gravity, namely, the general theory of relativity. After demonstrating the limitations of existing responses to that challenge, I argue that a better response can be given by questioning a premise that has so far been taken for granted in the debate: the assumption that all inertial forces are fictitious. Rejecting this premise is justified by distinguishing different types of inertial forces, some of which are indispensable in a sufficiently strong sense to justify realism about them.
Just accepted:
Realism about Newtonian Gravity
– Matthias Egg
Abstract in alt text or read it here: www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/740610
#philsci #philsky
ABSTRACT. We consider the class of physical theories whose dynamics are given by natural equations, which are partial differential equations determined by a functor from the category of n-manifolds, for some n, to the category of fibre bundles, satisfying certain further conditions. We show how the theory of natural equations clarifies several important foundational issues, including the status and meaning of minimal coupling, symmetries of theories, and background structure. We also state and prove a fundamental result about the initial value problem for natural equations.
Just accepted:
Natural Theories
– James Weatherall & Eleanor March
Abstract in alt text or read it here: www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/740611
#philsci #philsky
Just accepted:
Typical Quantum States of the Universe are Observationally Indistinguishable
– Eddy Keming Chen & Roderich Tumulka
Abstract in alt text or read it here: www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/740609
#philsci #philsky
We're no longer posting on twitter. Since we wanted to ensure our authors continue to receive as much coverage as possible for their work, we can now also be found on linkedin:
www.linkedin.com/company/brit...
ICYMI Olivier Morin reviews It’s Only Human, by Armin W Schulz 👇
#philsci #philsky
ABSTRACT. There is a widely held view on measurement inferences that defends the prohibition that we should not make inferences from averages taken with ordinal scales (versus quantitative scales; interval or ratio). This prohibition is general—applying to all ordinal scales—and is sometimes endorsed without qualification. Adhering to it dramatically limits research in the social and biomedical sciences. I provide a Bayesian analysis of this problem, determining when measurements from ordinal scales can be used to confirm hypotheses about relative group averages. I illustrate with the alleged paradigm ordinal scale—the Mohs scale of mineral hardness—arguing that it has been mischaracterized in the literature. The prohibition, I conclude, cannot be upheld, even in a qualified sense. The beliefs needed to make average comparisons are less demanding than those appropriate for quantitative scales.
From the new issue:
Against Prohibition (or, When Using Ordinal Scales to Compare Groups Is OK)
– Cristian Larroulet Philippi
Abstract in alt text or read it here:
www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1...
#philsci #philsky
ABSTRACT. When they agree on which data streams are algorithmically random, two Bayesian agents beginning the learning process with different priors may be seen as having compatible beliefs about the global uniformity of nature. This is because the algorithmically random data streams are of necessity globally regular: they are precisely the sequences that satisfy certain important statistical laws. By virtue of agreeing on which data streams are algorithmically random, two Bayesian agents can thus be taken to concur on which global regularities they expect to see in the data. I show that this type of compatibility between priors suffices to ensure that two computable Bayesian agents will reach inter-subjective agreement with increasing information. Thus, when shared by computable Bayesian learners with different subjective priors, the beliefs about uniformity captured by algorithmic randomness provably lead to merging of opinions.
From the new issue:
Bayesian Merging of Opinions and Algorithmic Randomness
– Francesca Zaffora Blando
Abstract in alt text or read it here:
www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/...
#philsci #philsky
ABSTRACT. There are two important traditions in the philosophy of induction. According to one, inductive arguments are warranted by rules. Bayesianism is the most popular view within this tradition. According to the other, inductive arguments are not warranted by rules but by matters of fact. Norton’s material theory of induction is one such influential view within this tradition. Despite their limitations, both approaches illuminate important aspects inductive support. Here I present a hybrid theory of induction, in which I acknowledge and articulate the role of both rules and matters of fact in our understanding. Rules of induction accurately describe relations of inductive support when they are warranted, and a rule of induction is warranted if the right facts about the matter of the induction obtain. This provides a functional and accurate account of inductive support that can make sense of how different rules of induction coexist and tackle problems in epistemology.
From the new issue:
A Hybrid Theory of Induction
– Adrià Segarra
Abstract in alt text or read it here:
www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/...
#philsci #philsky
New from the BJPS Review of Books:
The Einstein Paradox
– Guido Bacciagaluppi & Elise Crull
Reviewed by Thomas Ryckman
Read it here:
www.thebsps.org/reviewofbook...
#philsci #phisky #hps
ABSTRACT. There are two kinds of quantum fluctuations relevant to cosmology that we focus on here: those that form the seeds for structure formation in the early universe and those giving rise to Boltzmann brains in the late universe. Boltzmann brains are random agglomerates of particles that, by extreme coincidence, form functioning brains. Unlikely as these coincidences are, they seem to be predicted to occur in a quantum universe as vacuum fluctuations if the universe continues to exist for an infinite (or just very long) time. Indeed, they are predicted to occur over and over, forming the majority of all brains in the history of the universe. We provide an introduction to the Bohmian version of quantum theory and explain why in this version, the undesirable kind of fluctuation leading to Boltzmann brains does not occur (or at least not often), while the desirable kind of fluctuation responsible for structure formation in the early universe does.
From the new issue:
The Bohmian Approach to the Problems of Cosmological Quantum Fluctuations
– Sheldon Goldstein, Ward Struyve & Roderich Tumulka
Abstract in alt text or read it here:
www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/...
#philsci #philsky
Weekend, you say? Book reviews, we say!
Azita Chellappoo reviews Sex, Gender, Ethics, and the Darwinian Evolution of Mankind, edited by Michel Veuille
#philsci #philsky
ABSTRACT. Biochemists commonly ascribe functions to biomolecules and classify them accordingly, as has been noted in the recent literature on biochemical kinds. But while a lot has been written on biological and psychological functions, less has been said about biochemical functions. I consider whether a biological or a chemical understanding of function can be applied to biochemical functions, illustrating the issue with the example of vitamin B12. I argue that an adequate characterization of biochemical function cannot be provided by either a biological or a chemical understanding alone. Instead, I argue that if we accept functional attribution to biochemical molecules, then biochemical function is constituted by chemical dispositional properties that causally contribute to selected biological processes.
From the new issue:
Biochemical Functions
– Francesca Bellazzi
Abstract in alt text or free to read here:
www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1...
#philsci #philsky
ABSTRACT. Weyl famously argued that if space were discrete, then Euclidean geometry could not hold even approximately. Since then, many philosophers have responded to this argument by advancing alternative accounts of discrete geometry that recover approximately Euclidean space. However, they have missed an importantly flawed assumption in Weyl’s argument: physical geometry is determined by fundamental spacetime structures independently from dynamical laws. In this article, I aim to show its falsity through two rigorous examples: random walks in statistical physics and quantum mechanics.
From the new issue:
Why the Weyl Tile Argument Is Wrong
– Lu Chen
Abstract in alt text or read it here:
www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1...
#philsci #philsky
ABSTRACT. Episodic and semantic memory are often taken to be fundamentally different mental systems, and contemporary philosophers often pursue research questions about episodic memory, in particular, in isolation from semantic memory. This article challenges that assumption, and puts pressure on philosophical approaches to memory that break off episodic memory as its own stand-alone topic. I present and systematize psychological and neuroscientific theories of semanticization, the thesis that memory content tends to drift from episodic to semantic in structure over time and exposure to an environment. Semanticization, I argue, is a long-term interconnection between episodic and semantic systems that requires approaching both the content and function of these two memory systems as a whole. Thus we have a reason to reject projects by Martin, which aims to carve out a uniquely episodic memory content, and Michaelian, which pairs episodic memory to its own unique function. Instead, seeing declarative memory as a single system with two facets or even a continuum of features allows for deeper insight into both content and function.
The Editors' Choice Article from the latest issue:
Semanticization Challenges the Episodic–Semantic Distinction
– Sara Aronowitz
Abstract in alt text and free to read here: www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1...
#philsci #philsky
New from the BJPS Review of Books
It’s Only Human
– Armin W Schulz
Reviewed by Olivier Morin
Read it here:
www.thebsps.org/reviewofbooks/morin-on-schulz
#philsci #philsky
manuscript central wrapped (you can only see it after resetting your password)
07.12.2025 07:45 — 👍 40 🔁 5 💬 2 📌 0Come work with us! We are looking for a postdoc in #philbio or #philphysics to work on an interdisciplinary project that adopts the lens of self-organization & active matter to explore the boundary between living & nonliving systems www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jo... #academicsky #philjobs #HPS #evosky
08.12.2025 11:21 — 👍 58 🔁 37 💬 2 📌 3New PSA postdoc working group. "The PSA is in the process of implementing a formal subdivision devoted to postdocs. A working group meets intermittently online. PSA members are invited to take short survey (buff.ly/IfZuE7k). Em Alan Love (aclove@umn.edu) to receive email updates/Zoom links."
08.12.2025 16:30 — 👍 10 🔁 9 💬 0 📌 0
British Journal for the Philosophy of Science Volume 76, Issue 4 Table of Contents Editors' Choice Article: Semanticization Challenges the Episodic–Semantic Distinction By Sara Aronowitz Why the Weyl Tile Argument Is Wrong By Lu Chen Biochemical Functions By Francesca Bellazzi The Bohmian Approach to the Problems of Cosmological Quantum Fluctuations By Sheldon Goldstein, Ward Struyve, and Roderich Tumulka A Hybrid Theory of Induction By Adrià Segarra Bayesian Merging of Opinions and Algorithmic Randomness By Francesca Zaffora Blando Against Prohibition (or, When Using Ordinal Scales to Compare Groups Is OK) By Cristian Larroulet Philippi Are We in a Sixth Mass Extinction? The Challenges of Answering and Value of Asking By Federica Bocchi, Alisa Bokulich, Leticia Castillo Brache, Gloria Grand-Pierre, and Aja Watkins A Falsificationist Account of Artificial Neural Networks By Oliver Buchholz and Eric Raidl General-Purpose Institutional Decision-Making Heuristics: The Case of Decision-Making under Deep Uncertainty By David Thorstad The Typical Principle By Isaac Wilhelm
Santa has come early! New issue out now, full of festive treats for all the family. Biochemical functions and quantum fluctuations! Weyl tiles and ordinal scales! Mass extinctions, artificial neural networks and much more…Find it here:
www.journals.uchicago.edu/toc/bjps/cur...
#philsci #philsky
Weekends are for book reviews, part 145:
#philsci #philsky
My friend and mentor, the wonderful philosopher Jim Bogen, has died. #HPS #Philsci
dailynous.com/2025/12/04/j...
