[Vdp] Lydia Patton, "Beyond the Background: Gravitational Waves and the Field Equations" - Physics meets Philosophy

Dear all, Besides the 33rd Vienna Circle Lecture, Prof Lydia Patton (Virginia Tech) will also give the next "Physics meets Philosophy" talk, to which you are hereby cordially invited. Title: Beyond the Background: Gravitational Waves and the Field Equations (see abstract below) Date: December 9th (Tuesday) Time: 14:00-15:30 Location: IQOQI Seminar room (Boltzmanngasse 3, 2nd floor) Zoom link (for those that cannot join in person): https://univienna.zoom.us/j/67236864236?pwd=R6vIJ3Mquf5YTtsxtnlOnI5sJrMVDh.1 Abstract: The field equations of general relativity may be characterized as 'background' equations. That conceptualization implies that the equations are held constant in the background while independent empirical research tests the implications that are drawn from them. In my view, this is an inaccurate picture of how the field equations function in gravitational wave astronomy. The equations were made empirical in a process that involved formal, structural, and empirical reasoning. The paper will lay out an approach that moves beyond the 'background' conception to show how the equations developed with methods of data and waveform analysis in gravitational wave astronomy. For more information on "Physics meets Philosophy", see https://sites.google.com/view/physphilvienna Best wishes Sebastian