Seminar of Philosophy of Science

How does laboratory astrophysics teach us astrophysics?

Speaker: Pr Nora Boyd, Sienna College

Abstract:

Philosopher of science Ian Hacking (1989) provocatively claimed that astrophysics is not a natural science at all. The experimental method is the heart of the scientific method, he reasoned, and no one can manipulate or intervene on astrophysical systems. In contrast, I have argued that physically intervening on a research target is not necessary to generate empirical evidence. Instead, what matters is that it derives from a causal chain with one end anchored in that target. While my view applies to much observational astrophysics, the story is a bit more subtle when it comes to terrestrial laboratory astrophysical experiments. In this talk, I explain how applying my view in a case study of National Ignition Facility research on the effect of high energy flux conditions on the structure of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability in young supernova remnants lead me to uncover a new challenge: how can experimenters reason from the laboratory to the stars, when the very conditions of their experiment undercut the arguments for physical similarity they would have liked  to invoke?

Date:
Thursday the 15th of April, 15:00 CEST

Location:
Zoom: link communicated via e-mail

Details:
We are organising a cycle of seminars of philosophy of science at the APC.
During 30 min, philosophers will present their research on a topic related to the themes of research of the laboratory. The presentation will be folllowed by a 30-min discussion between the audience and the speaker.
The event is open to all APC members, external members can assist on request.

Organisers:
Leïla Haegel
Henri Inchauspé