Physics Needs Philosophy. Philosophy Needs Physics

TL;DR

This paper argues that philosophy significantly influences physics and that recent empirical discoveries challenge some philosophical assumptions in the field, emphasizing the need for philosophical reflection in scientific methods.

Contribution

It challenges the notion that philosophy is irrelevant to physics and highlights how recent empirical results question common philosophical assumptions among physicists.

Findings

Detection of the Higgs particle supports certain theoretical models.

Gravitational waves detection confirms predictions of general relativity.

Failure to detect supersymmetry questions its assumed role in particle physics.

Abstract

Contrary to claims about the irrelevance of philosophy for science, I argue that philosophy has had, and still has, far more influence on physics than is commonly assumed. I maintain that the current anti-philosophical ideology has had damaging effects on the fertility of science. I also suggest that recent important empirical results, such as the detection of the Higgs particle and gravitational waves, and the failure to detect supersymmetry where many expected to find it, question the validity of certain philosophical assumptions common among theoretical physicists, inviting us to engage in a clearer philosophical reflection on scientific method.