[SydPhil] HPS Research Seminar Series Semester Two

[Debbie Castle]

Dear All

A reminder and a couple of amendments to the HPS Seminar  program


AUG 6   DANIELA HELBIG (SYDNEY) "What is going on?" Describing techno-scientific reality"

AUG 13 DEAN RICKLES (SYDNEY) Title: Institute of Field Physics, Inc. (amended)

Abstract: The Institute of Field Physics, directed by husband and wife team, Cecile Morette and Bryce DeWitt, was established at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, in 1955, primarily to study gravitational physics. It was, in no small way, behind the shift from what Jean Eisenstaedt has labeled "the low water mark of general relativity" (1925-1955) to what Clifford Will has labelled "the renaissance of general relativity". The Institute of Field Physics was the brainchild of Walter Bahnson (aided by the physicist John Wheeler), a wealthy industrialist with a deep love of physics. It followed closely behind another such (far less successful) venture, the Gravity Research Foundation, established and underwritten by Roger Babson, another wealthy businessman with a taste for gravity. A mixture of post-war exuberance about physics, and Cold War paranoia led to further funding of gravitational projects. This talk will tell the story of how private, industrial and military funding came together to transform the research landscape of gravitational physics.

NOW OCT 22 GRANT FISHER (KOREA ADVANCED INST OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY) TBA

Monday night's presentation will be followed by drinks and nibbles to welcome Daniela Helbig to the Unit and the University.

All the best
Debbie Castle | Administration Officer
Office Hours: 9am - 4.30pm:  Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
Unit for History and Philosophy of Science
Faculty of Science
THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY
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T +61 2 9351 4226
e debbie.castle at sydney.edu.au<mailto:debbie.castle at sydney.edu.au> | W http://sydney.edu.au/hps

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