Feyerabend and physics

Feyerabend frequently discussed physics. He also referred to the history of the subject when motivating his philosophy of science. Alas, as some examples show, his understanding of physics remained superficial. In this respect, Feyerabend is like Popper; the difference being his self-criticism later on, and the much more tolerant attitude toward the allowance of methods. Quite generally, partly due to the complexity of the formalism and the new challenges of their findings, which left philosophy proper at a loss, physicists have attempted to developed their own meaning of their subject. For instance, in recent years, the interpretation of quantum mechanics has stimulated a new type of experimental philosophy, which seeks to operationalize emerging philosophical issues; issues which are incomprehensible for most philosophers. In this respect, physics often appears to be a continuation of philosophy by other means. Yet, Feyerabend has also expressed profound insights into the possibilities for the progress of physics, a legacy which remains to be implemented in the times to come: the conquest of abundance, the richness of reality, the many worlds which still await discovery, and the vast openness of the physical universe.