Die epistemische Dynamik der Modellentwicklung am LHC: eine empirische Untersuchung
Final Report Abstract
Within the cluster "Epistemology of the LHC", the project on ‘Epistemic Dynamic of Model Development at the LHC: an empirical Study’ investigated philosophically the research practices of high-energy physicists working in connection to the "Large Hadron Collider" (LHC). Its first period of data taking, 2010-12 lead to the discovery of the long – sought Higgs boson (Nobel – prize 2013). On the other hand, contrary to previous hope, no signal of physics beyond the Standard Model (BSM) hs been found. Our project explored the development of models of the new physics "beyond the Standard Model" (BSM) which physicists hoped to find at the LHC. The project tracked their evolution using three empirical methods: (a) quantitative and qualitative analysis of physics preprints; (b) interviews with working physicists; (c) online surveys among working physicist. The main results of the study were a. A pattern of BSM models around ‘theoretical cores’ was identified and the dynamics and connections were studied. Such a core is a hybrid of verbal and mathematical elements. However, there has been a trend to merge the basic ideas of the clusters. b. The role of the emerging concept of ‘naturalness’ as a preference criterium for the models was analysed. It was shown that only taking it as a flexible, hybrid narrative that the significance of the otherwise often vague and contradictory definitions of naturalness can be understood. c. The common and different perspectives on models by experimentalists and theorists were studied. The close interaction between the communities has lead to new model concepts. The narratives of the models serve as trading zones between experimentalists and theorists. d. The notion of ‘preference’ turned out to be more complex than expected in the beginning. It became apparent that one has to take into account several factors like aesthetical, factual and pragmatic. How to reconcile these aspects is still under debate in our group. e. There is a rather strong ‘non – commitment’ of physicists towards models, before the Higgs discovery even in view of the mechanism of mass generation. This is essentially true for both experimentalists and theorists and may shed light on the way models are used and the current state of research.
Publications
-
“Constraining the Higgs Mechanism: Ontological Worries and the Prospects for an Algebraic Cure”, Philosophy of Science 79 (2012), 930-941
M. Stöltzner
-
“The case of the composite Higgs: the model as a ‘Rosetta stone’ in contemporary highenergy physics”, Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 43 (2012): 195-214
A. Borrelli
-
"A philosophical experiment: An empirical study of knowledge production at the LHC", in: Newsletter of PH Department at CERN. March 23rd 2013
A. Borrelli
-
„Model Landscapes in the Higgs Sector“, in: Vassili Karakostas, Dennis Dieks (ed.), EPSA11 Perspectives and foundational problems in philosophy of science. Conference 2011 (Springer 2013): 241-252
A. Borrelli, M. Stöltzner
-
Between logos and mythos: Narratives of 'naturalness' in Today’s
Particle Physics Community. S. 69-86, in: Hermann Blume und Christoph Leitgeb, Michael Rösner (ed.), Narrated Communities - Narrated Realities. Leiden, Brill-Rodopi, 2015
A. Borrelli
-
„Die Genesis des Gottesteilchens. Erzählung als konstitutives Element der theoretischen Hochenergiephysik“, in: Safia Azzouni, Stefan Böschen, Carsten Reinhardt (eds.), Erzählung und Geltung. Wissenschaft zwischen Autorschaft und Autorität. Verlag Velbrück Wissenschaft (2015): 63-86. - ISBN print: 978-3-958-32045-1
A. Borrelli
