Porter Williams

I am predominantly interested in understanding and explicating what our modern physical theories tell us about the structure of the world. As such, I am particularly interested in the ontology of non-relativistic quantum mechanics and quantum field theory, as well as the problem of measurement there. I am also interested in the relationship between quantum theories and the special and general theories of relativity, especially the status of spacetime symmetries in quantum theories. I also have more general interests in the mathematical foundations of modern physics and the relationship between mathematical facts and physical facts. I have additional (underdeveloped) interests in the philosophy of mathematics and early modern philosophy. My approach to these topics has been especially influenced by the work of J.S. Bell, David Albert, David Malament, and Mark Wilson.