27th DDc Lunch Retreat: A Philosophical View on Guiding Principles in Physics

A Philosophical View on Guiding Principles in Physics

Guiding principles are central to theory development in physics, especially when there is limited empirical input available. In my talk I analyse the heuristic role of such principles. First, I suggest a distinction between two modes of employing scientific principles. Principles of nature make descriptive claims about objects of inquiry, and principles of epistemic action give directives for further research. Then I argue that if a principle is employed as a guiding principle, then its use integrates both modes: guiding principles imply descriptive claims, and they provide directives for further research. By discussing the naturalness principle from high-energy physics as an example, I explore the consequences for understanding and evaluating current guiding principles in physics.