Fundamental Theories & Paradigm Shifts

The disciplines of mathematics, physics, and biology are not static; rather, they are constructed from specific viewpoints. Fundamental theories across various domains — including the humanities — are inherently biased and subject to change, adopting unique and evolving worldviews. Milestones such as Cantor’s revelation of transfinite numbers or Heisenberg’s formulation of the uncertainty principle have profoundly altered our perception of reality.

Research in this program can explore ongoing theoretical shifts, propose hypotheses to elucidate these transitions, or delve into emerging theories that might catalyze paradigmatic transformations. The program sits at the most philosophical level of the IAS research agenda, welcoming work that questions the foundations of knowledge itself.

Thinkers working on the philosophy of science, the epistemology of complex systems, or the meta-theoretical dimensions of any discipline are warmly invited to consider IAS as a context for bold intellectual exploration.