# PAP Appendix A: Seed Prompt V1 ## 1. Background: Project Pivot from Foundational Derivation This document initiates the **Philosophical Analysis of Physics (PAP) project, version 1**. This project represents a deliberate pivot following the conclusion of the Logical Foundation Investigation (LFI) v1 project ([[LFI-C-ProcessLog-v1]] Sprint LFI-11, [[LFI-Synth-1]]). LFI v1 attempted to derive fundamental physics from logical first principles and was systematically falsified, demonstrating the apparent infeasibility of that specific *a priori*, top-down approach within the project's framework. The PAP project adopts a conceptually opposite approach: starting from established, empirically successful physical theories (Quantum Mechanics, General Relativity, Standard Model, Thermodynamics, etc.) and applying philosophical analysis to understand their foundations, interpretations, conceptual puzzles, and ontological implications. This aligns with the methodological principle of seeking maximal conceptual contrast after the failure of the previous approach. ## 2. PAP Project Goal **Primary Goal:** To conduct rigorous philosophical analysis of foundational concepts, interpretations, and unresolved puzzles within established physical theories. This involves: a. Clarifying the meaning and ontological status of core theoretical entities (e.g., wavefunctions, fields, spacetime). b. Evaluating competing interpretations of theories (especially QM). c. Analyzing the nature of physical laws, causality, probability, time, and emergence *as manifested in physics*. d. Identifying and examining the philosophical assumptions underpinning physical theories. e. Exploring the relationships and potential tensions between different physical theories (e.g., QM and GR). **Contrast with LFI:** PAP does *not* aim to derive physics from more fundamental principles but rather to understand the philosophical landscape *of* existing physics. ## 3. Operational Framework Development within PAP v1 will be governed by the **PAP OMF v1** (defined in [[PAP-B-OMF-v1]]), specifically adapted for philosophical analysis and interpretation of scientific theories, incorporating methodological lessons from LFI regarding falsification and exploration strategy. ## 4. Initial Task (Sprint PAP-1) The first sprint (PAP-1) will focus on: - **Goal:** Begin analysis of the interpretation problem in Quantum Mechanics (QM). Specifically, identify and briefly summarize the core tenets and primary challenges of major QM interpretation families (e.g., Copenhagen-like, Many-Worlds, Hidden-Variables, Collapse Theories). This serves as a broad initial survey of a key area identified in background materials ([[Metaphysics, Logic, and Science Principles]], [[LFI-D-ParkingLot-v1]]). - **Methodology:** Literature review (drawing on background essays and standard philosophy of physics resources), conceptual analysis, identification of key distinguishing features and problems for each interpretation family. Adhere to PAP OMF v1. - **Outcome:** A documented overview map of major QM interpretation families and their core challenges, setting the stage for deeper comparative analysis or falsification attempts in subsequent sprints. ## 5. Core Documentation This project relies on the following core documents: - [[PAP-A-Seed-v1]] (This document) - [[PAP-B-OMF-v1]] - [[PAP-C-ProcessLog-v1]] - [[PAP-D-ParkingLot-v1]] - [[PAP-E-Background-v1]] (References LFI conclusion and potentially relevant essays)