# PAP Appendix E: Background V1 ## 1. Introduction This appendix provides the background context for the Philosophical Analysis of Physics (PAP) project, version 1. It situates the project following the conclusion of the Logical Foundation Investigation (LFI) v1. ## 2. Conclusion of LFI v1 Project The LFI v1 project (documented in [[LFI-A-Seed-v1]], [[LFI-B-OMF-v1]], [[LFI-C-ProcessLog-v1]], [[LFI-D-ParkingLot-v1]], [[LFI-E-Background-v1]]) aimed to investigate the hypothesis that classical logic itself forms the fundamental foundation of physical reality. The project proceeded through systematic analysis and application of its OMF. Key findings leading to LFI's conclusion (formalized in [[LFI-C-ProcessLog-v1]] Sprint LFI-11 and [[LFI-Synth-1]]): * The strong hypothesis (logic as sole foundation) was falsified as pure logic failed to ground physical substance, contingency, or dynamics. * A modified hypothesis (logic as constraint + additional factors) was explored. Potential additional factors (Substrate, Selection Principles, Observer Dependence, Dynamic/Process Factors) were systematically evaluated and falsified within the LFI context as either reverting to previously failed approaches (IO/EQR) or being insufficient/poorly justified. * The overall conclusion was that a purely *a priori*, non-empirical derivation of physics from logic or related abstract principles appears infeasible under the explored frameworks. ## 3. Rationale for PAP v1 Pivot Given the failure of the top-down, logic-first approach of LFI, the PAP project adopts a conceptually opposite strategy, aligning with methodological principles discussed during the LFI conclusion (see [[LFI-C-ProcessLog-v1]] post-Sprint LFI-11 discussion): * **Starting Point:** Begin with established, empirically successful physical theories (QM, GR, SM, etc.) rather than abstract first principles. * **Goal:** Shift from deriving physics to interpreting and analyzing the foundations *of* existing physics. * **Direction:** Employ a bottom-up / internal analysis approach. This pivot aims to leverage the successes of modern physics while addressing the deep, unresolved conceptual and philosophical questions embedded within it. ## 4. Relevant Background Resources While PAP starts fresh, insights and context from the LFI project and its associated background materials remain relevant, including: * The detailed philosophical essays provided during LFI setup (`Metaphysics, Logic, and Science Principles`, `Logic, Gödel, and Scientific Philosophy`, `Aristotelian and Platonic Unification`) contain extensive discussion of concepts pertinent to PAP (e.g., realism, causality, laws, QM/GR interpretations, role of math). * The carried-over entries in [[PAP-D-ParkingLot-v1]] highlight persistent philosophical questions relevant to physics. These resources may be referenced during PAP sprints as appropriate.