Philippos Afxentiou

University of Nicosia

This article proposes a conceptual distortion that is worth the learning gains. Although disturbingly unscientific, it is a convention that might open gates (see Threshold Concepts Theory of Learning). Our idea is positioned to the unstable space of the student to oscillate between old and emergent understanding. Overall, as gravitation is a topic...

We propose an instruction and learning theory that considers teaching as a dynamics process with causality of agent being the teacher as prime and minimal retro causality i.e. student stances in learning such as interest, academic readiness, receptivity. Learning dynamics is a term sparingly used but still it is studied. For example, there is resea...

We elaborate on the concept of internal paradigm considerations with time in mind. The concept of time is physics, although it has been examined and is presently a subject of upmost investigation more than any other in history of science, has never been viewed from the point of view of internal paradigm considerations. As it is known, physics is a...

Physics exams have been delivered using a structure that has not been contested for as long as physics has been in typical education, which is recently in some countries (1984) and as far as 1920's in some and 1940's in others. In this paper we propose a paradigm shift based on instructional and assessment experience of the authors but also by peda...

We provide a conceptual elaboration on the topic of Schrodinger Equation. Its pedagogical implications are important and it also provides a new interpretational outlook for well-debated issues. This article develops the notion of numerical condition, first noted by Tegmark in emphasizing the role of mathematics in physics and reality. We believe th...

This article tries to answer the question of whether the concerns about conceptual clarity fully resolved via the Law of CC: In other words, does the law explain better the EM equivalence? As physics is argued to be a predictive system above and beyond all other characterizations of its nature and epistemological identity, the deficiencies that nat...

There is a fertile ground for discussion, among physicists, as to what really describes the cons of the science. When the discussion falls to the how, the answers are easier to satisfy the debaters. But when it comes to highlighting its main trait in a way that reveals its deficiencies, most if not all are silent. Here I propose an answer and argue...

There is a fertile ground for discussion, among physicists, as to what really describes the cons of the science. When the discussion falls to the how, the answers are easier to satisfy the debaters. But when it comes to highlighting its main trait in a way that reveals its deficiencies, most if not all are silent. Here I propose an answer and argue...

Conceptual clarity was never a strong point in QM. Our Ambition here is to aid in this direction by organizing, brainstorming extensions and some new (def. 3) to and analyzing the plethora of definitions about Wf and its identify. We explore and articulate the conventions that QM was built upon. We note thin lines between reality and idealizations...

Since Einstein introduction of the tem "spacetime" there is confusion and lack conceptual clarity on how to interpret his theory's statements. Our hypotheses is that the fourth dimension is better visualized and how it influences and constrains motion revealed we would be able to articulate this constrain in 3D we would be able to find new correlat...

A new, non-Newtonian modification to explain inertial or non-inertial speed limits of massive objects (i.e. increase of mass from relativistic or 4-velocity energy laws) at high speeds is proposed. This, if successful, forces us to investigate new pathways of inertial speed stops and would lead to new fundamental full speeds range dynamics if these...

The recent study by An. Laplace who found evidence of mass eigenvalues for black holes (integer 5,6) in a binary system leaves the prospect of deriving, by identifying other operators that comnute with mass, eigenvalues from shared eigenfunction that correspond to these operators, releasing info about binary systems and building a theoretical frame...

This article proposes an abstractless diet on mechanics by recalling an Aristotelian conception of time that has seen recent interest (Rovelli and others). The idea is what about if one could make it be like Newtonian theory is to gravity (in contrast to GR, which current kinematics resembles in some traits)? Practical, comprehensible and appealing...

Reformulations to GR have been proposed, such as the scalar field in Brans-Dicke theory, as a step to quantum gravity. This proposal takes a different road in that it cuts in the middle of original formulation of Einstein and tries to arrive at geodesic formulation of gravity by dropping "spacetime solution" to the so-called initial velocity proble...

The notion of contact forces is a slightly ambiguous one since they appear to be instantaneous and thus a limit case of real forces. Related to the previews is the argument of being a limited acceleration sources. As a result, some claim that impulse from contact forces has an upper bound which consists of a new physical limitation that has not bee...

At-a-distance, non-instantaneous thrust can be used as model for gravity that will provide a framework capable of overcoming many conceptual and epistemological issues of current force-based formulation. We propose a theory in which thrust is the primitive in gravitational theory and not the force (or geodesic inertial motion like in General Relati...

A novel idea is investigated: if teaching and marketing, despite their differences share important similarities, i.e. in the role each professional is expected to play. The questions this articles tries to answer two: Can marketing fulfill standard teaching aims while providing value to those insufficiently unfulfilled by classic theories ones? Is...

Physics has theories. Physicists are not likened to deal with emotions-in fact positive science is considered the field that spares with emotions. But the "theories as motions" work in a model of cognition proves that nobody can spare with emotions, at least at some level. Here I show that this level is fundamental and not just a peripheral, circ...

This article presents generic predictions and solutions such problems as "the problem of time" of prominent theories in cosmology, as well as fresh insights. There have been notable attempts to Quantum cosmology. These approaches were in fact generalized quantum theories or special qm formulations that allowed for incorporation of spacetime due to...

We revisit GR formulation and the formative "issue of initial conditions" that led to the introduction of spacetimes, by adding time to trajectories, as solution and successfully developed GR. We propose both velocity and trajectory based reformulations, in a rough sketch form. Why in need reformulation of GR? Spacetime based theory of GR has provi...

This article presents conventionalist arguments of the success of science and contrasts them with the paradigmatically more high-esteemed ones of realism. It then examines the case of Newtonian and GR gravity and connects them with the thesis of "force by convention", which is the consideration of gravity in a conceptually, not just epistemological...

The appearance of the General Theory of Relativity brought an end to the primacy of Newtonian gravity (NG) as the two were thought incompatible. But Newtonian gravity is better in pragmatic utility though it scores low on coherence and lower than GR on correspondence from the point of view of the namesake theories of truth. So it has never been aba...

The student's willingness to learn in a meaningful manner is something over which teachers have the least control. It has so far been assumed that only active learning methods forward this aim. This article presents a new learning theory. We first identify commonalities between meaningful learning and memorization like long lasting effects. The the...

Work is a supportive concept of energy due to energy concept's peculiarities and complexities. As such, it is not a real concept or physical entity. But is empirically proved to be a conserved quantity still it is not a property of the system neither a form of energy i.e. it is not a stored quantity (see comment 4 in issues as activity). The clarif...

His work on quantum mechanics and quantum gravity influence his thinking and his thirst for discovering the bridge theory make him look outside the box. But I believe he overdid it.

The problem of beginning of time or the universe can get a clear resolution in the case we accept a QM state of the universe. The issue is intricately related to the issue of evolution of universe however, so some modes of evolution necessarily engage in these claims as admissions. For example the delocalized time conception from an application of...

Smolin's recent ('20-' 22) claims about "real time" have made some points but the effectiveness of physics is not based on this conception. This article strives a solution to this paradox, Like Smolin, this is inspired by 18th C. philosopher Bergman have been received with remorse. Smolin takes an extreme reformulation stance without keeping any as...

Einstein's postulated of mass Source, spacetime curvature relation is one of the backbone of GR, responsible for explaining and predicting surprising phenomena such as frame dragging, wormholes. It has not however been the Source of research insights. On the contrast, it is even seen dubiously as a lucky insight or convention with only technical fu...

A Geometrical & Spatiotemporal Correlation force effect types-based new reformulation of Newtonian dynamics is presented in which a restatement of law of inertial emerges. It makes redundant the motion type divide and also un-unifies force effect types.. This reformulation makes new admissions than Newtonian about nature of motional effects and nat...

Smolin’s recent ('20-' 22) claims about "real time" have made some points but the effectiveness of physics is not based on this conception. This article strives a solution to this paradox, Like Smolin, this is inspired by 18th C. philosopher Bergman have been received with remorse. Smolin takes an extreme reformulation stance without keeping any as...

Force by convention was proposed by the author as natural explanation of 3D force effects in 4D disturbances and other phenomena [2,3]. The idea is to consider the classical mechanics concept of force as including a conventional category i.e. not fundamental force, to address classical force concept's lack of non-classical interpretation. Here we a...

The concept of force by convention was proposed by the author as a natural explanation of 3d effects in 4D disturbances and other phenomena. Here I present a more general theory of conventional forces and 2 main principles that pertain in it, the Causal Variety and Principle of Resemblence. This theory explains the domination of gravity in large s...

This article provides a new approach to instruction using elements reserved for media coverage in prime news. Although novel, this method has been unnoticedly used, Successful teachers already use confusion. For example old teachers would start the lesson from the corridor with loud rhetoric to confuse and thus enroll students seriously in the teac...

Generalizing GR claims about lack of typical nature in forces or Emergent force effects "by convention" forces in GR is a topic overlooked. Given that a disturbance in 4D gives an or appear as acceleration effects in 3D". This article examines the the case of force treated by GR as more general case where types such as force by convention exist. A...

The hypothesis of gravity becoming the same force effect as other forces has been contemplated in the scientific community since the unification of the rest of forces. The problems for testing such a hypothesis have been big, so so far it has eluded the confirmation. But this article shows this needs not to be the way. A simple idea is instead prop...

This article answers questions of the type "To what extend is spacetime a physicist's notion ?" from a physicists point of view. A bullet-based summary of GR is given first, which addresses misconceptions in an elaborated way reflecting the author's particular understanding. Wormhole reality, worthiness of application of GR are covered. Some answer...

A new teacher-centered teaching method is presented. The method postulates that teacher communication, internal performance motivational factors and maturity in terms of the articulation and delivery of the of his communication practice (but not ethical commitments) are prime in this theory, combined with a simple stance about teaching based on the...

We propose a Reduction of Newtonian force to simply force by convention. This changes the context, solves problems and creates new ones, less harsh however.1) In particular it resolves the fundamental forces unification issue; 2) it contributes to the qm-GR compatibility 3) it enable a new ontological definition of spacetime and 4) it legitimizes G...

This article cites reasons for revising the mandate of forces in science as well as examines the main objections behind it, like Faraday's excitement for the "unchangeable character is the force I am trying to deal with" and the implications of holding such as revised position, i.e. how large may be the new domain of knowledge that may be opened up...

A new theory of learning is proposed where the experience of the student and its management by the student is more important than instruction. The unfolding future has something to teach beyond the teacher. The theory shares some aspects and elements with the feedback-based theory of learning, but it differs in that the role of student is when to c...

Narrowing or completely modifying allowable hypotheses or "Styles of existence" of nature as Smolin had attempted in the quest to create a cosmology that answers some big philosophical questions (BPQ), solves foundational problems can be dangerous. This article first revisits the issue of hypothesis about the nature of nature and then argues why so...

Setting the 2 theories next to each other and inferring the different weights of theory proficiency in valid criteria is a task that has not been undertaken with rigor so far. This article gives a first attempt. Besides assessing each theory's proficiency in 4 criteria, a defense against main criticisms is attempted.

This article providers arguments that some strategies for low academic achievement environments are ineffective such as that humans responds to "worthy goals" that are not easy (but not impossible) so lowering standards to "get traction" from students is a bad strategy. Better strategies such as honing on the teacher's questions (with preparation)...

Current learning physics philosophy is based on proving you can solve problems others have solved to by directly show you master underlining theory representations and conceptualizations behind each theory, as well as skills related to making valid assumptions in problem solving and principle synthesis. But this is narrow. This article shows that t...

The current mandate for physics is not supporting its teaching and learning. This article claims that a new type of definition "hard" in physics is required, one that takes into account habits in the conceptualization of the field that are narrow and or extreme and self-serving instead of subject illuminating. However anarchic might this sound, I a...

Getting your paper published and finishing your dissertation are two different endeavors that share less than generally admitted. A young researcher must be able to apply different strategies for these goals, including which ideas suit each case. Although such strategies are laid out in many areas, in physics this is not the case. This analysis sha...

Leibniz's PSR has an enormous influence in our understanding of space and time (Smolin, '15). It is an aspiration to eliminate arbitrary choices from the statements of laws in physics (Smolin, '15). BPPs function as guides to further science and its completion. Although not the origin of scientific discoveries they contribute to shaping theories an...

Sufficient reference to representational technical entities is needed to construct a valid understanding of EP in GR-this is elaborated to the point of sufficiency. This article also points that E-M equivalence principle come to the rescue in the midst of theory building and proved that the brainstorm had deeper physical roots. I claim that E-M equ...

Formulating a theory of kinematics is important in creating new theories to tackle issues or unificational visions. The classic route of Hamiltoninan type is extended here to allow for generalized action-type variations. The kinematics-dynamics method is simplified and empowered by a special analysis.

Lee Smolin is one of the leading theorists who believed in the possibility of a complete, functional theory of gravity. For more than 30 years he has contributed to the field from posts ranging from Penn State to Perimeter Institute. His work is focused on CST (causal set theories) while in the last decade he turned to move innovative and controver...

This article addresses the issue of applicability of current masters curricula to their declared goals and goes further to question the adequacy of these goals. In particular, it questions the lack of knowledge of literature which is the form of essays is vital to identify gaps. The proposal includes adding elements so that students should answer c...

A new theory of teaching is presented than assumes human-centered emphasis as more basic than student centered. Aspects such as empathy, "life" vibe and vivididy are shown to be important aspects missing on the student centered approach but also be a legit part of the broader conception of the former theory. Other aspects such as motivation to acti...

Being a new researcher, after completing a masters in physics is a demanding and exciting time. However, few guides are available for either the articulation of options or the updated entries in these and a classification of the type is not found. This presentation is a brief attempt at this, highlighting however the interest of the author as some...

The A& C. theory is under development, initially conceived by Afxentiou and aims to refine the principles of efficient instruction. It is a radical approach to learning that emphasizes the missed part of true commitment of teacher in shaping a vision for the student and using a pragmatic philosophy to do so, bypassing the standard typically commitm...

If existent, physics masters syllabi are plain informative unstructured to pedagogical demands and variety of cognitive or domain specific skill/critical levels. Looking at other masters, like in law, the gap is enormous-there is no depth, no category classification or emphasis, not red line skills to guide the candidate and also arm the evaluator...

Creative time and views are the ingredients to a theory of dynamics that allows for novelty & evolution. Following Bergson, it opposes the doctrine that time has as much reality as movement: past, present and future are given for all eternity i.e. there is no creation and novelty. Views allows us to define a system that is evolving, in contrast wit...

Is scientific time not an aspect of the universe? Bergson defined time as "what could spread out all at once in space" which has strong implications for geometrization. This article explores these and develops asks the questions: 1) Is it wise to talk about geometrized time in GR ? 2) Is it so by convention? 3) Is it the reality of time? 4) distort...

The current consencus is that we can study only those aspects and subsystems of the universe that lend themselves to mathematical description, within which we hypothesize causal closure. Conscious events do no fit within this rationale. But what if we could do without being unscientific or anti-reductive? We need to have a design for a world in whi...

Using worst case assumptions to base learning and teaching design is an approach that has not yet been endorsed by educational pundits. However, this approach is human-centered and human nature-centered which is a basic premise for effectiveness since education and learning is human-centered enterprise more than anything else. Here I present 4 basi...

In recent times, educational outcomes have plummeted and this is not independent of chosen teaching emphasis. Learning as data processing has been sidelined and replaced by modern theories. Still its advantages are valuable not only for the average student profile but for social realities like overwhelm and information jam. If approached from this...

Physics is taken to be one of the scientific fields that admits some causality in its theories, practice and "DNA". However, recent analysis by Smolin argues for the opposite. Although his thesis does not jeopardize the functionality of the science to produce utilizable results, it hints at hidden philosophical assumptions about the world endorsed...

Hooks are being used as an element of the lesson plan-based theory of instruction and learning. Their status is limited to this usage and conception. Here, I present a theory that changes the semantic status and uses hooks as primitive. Their representation in the learning cycle changes from attention-grabbers to more fundamental role in learning a...

Recent experimental proof of non local effect or theory in quantum mechanics (that not all of the properties that affect a measurement of a particle are those of the particle measured), an anti realism virtue have brought the doctrine back in the spotlight. The interpretation of the way function differ in their interpretation regarding time, if qm...

I have hinted in others works that science as a project based on 3 fundamentald concepts, plusfundamental hypothesis which might be general or in subfields. Here i describe further this view and connect it to the ideas of Smolin, mainly his hypothesis that the Newtonian ideal of description of subsystems of the universe is in adequate to cosmology...

This article endorses the claim that there can be effective hooks even though they appear humble and low profile. We use a framework endorsed by fields that have non been mentioned to add value in teaching. We dismiss the view that the classic theory of hooks is the only one viable for lesson purposes. Although no research has tested this idea in t...

The field is again wide-open, with 3 competing theories. The revival of GR via numerical methods, the succesful ACDM model and a new theorizing endorsing reality of time, which claims to be unique in explaining features of universe. The resurgence of GR as a main candidate come after researchers used an algorithm, a simulation with an initial Ωm =...

This article suggests that effecting learning outcomes can be achieved by teaching approaches that can be classified only loosely in accepted principles.

A portion of literature in cosmology still defies big bang framework compatible sub-theorizing to explain cosmic scale phenomena. Even more, there is general consensus even if Big Bang is wrong, deterministic theories are one way street. Here I briefly present deterministic solutions to GR and mention the dialectic theories, which share some common...

Reductionism has been accused of "cheap theorizing" yet few went as far as to propose argumentative claims about this. Although this is not the aim of this article, I tough this subject along with more wider issues. For example, few know that the quark was more a concept for realizing a reductive organization of sub-atomic physics and less the ulti...

Cagne's 9 element didactic series fails to incorporate how to keep attention; the same in most didactic and Lesson Planning models or theories. Reasons for this are the approach's mechanistic viewpoint or old learning theory associations (information processing, authority, value-added theory). However, it is a practical and even vital element of te...

A critical overview of realism in science is developed. Certain shortfalls of science are linked to such a view. Some other views, which are controversial outside science are linked to realism and an over-endorsement of it. Other branches of realism such as structural realism do not seem to pose those problems.

Besides the classic (Loop Quantum Gravity etc from 1990 to 2013) and modern (holographic principle, redefinition of time) approaches to the problem of quantum gravity, the underlying problems are unchanged and define the background of the efforts to resolve the problem. Their study and consideration alone is worth revisiting since it can help see t...

In analogy with physics i identify Heisenberg pairs for teaching lesson observation and proposed the same principle holds. The consequences for appraisals and school improvement are enormous. Three Heisenberg pairs are identified. This paper sheds light on discriminating conclusions and is first to note a macro quantum effect. If this theory is con...

Public administration and public governance play a crucial role in society today by ensuring that social needs are met. Research on the topic although is centered around this main aim is spread in different sub-areas, depending on necessity drivers or Govenrance Models trends.

Quantum gravity is one of the top 5 problems in physics. The initial causal 4d topology trust has expired and given its place to new innovational but more standard rational approaches (borrowing & applying philosophies of solutions from other fields, connecting the problem with other top ones etc). Here i present 3 of such approaches in a review ar...

Three approaches to the question of nature of scientific hypothesis are suggested. Two of them are novel or proposed new relations between known constructs. Hypotheses have been considered as part of scientific method but as statements they have not been investigated as to their ultimate ontology.

Time notations have not been a main focus on the theoretical research debates untillrecently. The motivation has been the enduring incompatibility of two of physics main theoriesand not a pure principles or fundamental one. However, the remark holds beyond the confines of the stated problem (bridging QM with GR) and has implications in fundamental...

This paper claims that the ultimate epistemology of physical science is not hypothetico-deduction by a combination of explanative realism and pragmatism/Conventionalism. Conventions or thesis that everyone agrees without a necessary explicit logical backing: Reduction allows for explanation and those are necessary for theories which in term allow f...

In this article I develop the theory of velocity as basic concept in a kinematics theory i.e. position is explained as a development of velocity. Some theories such as the modern Impetus theory which is the only one that validly takes velocity as instantaneous accept this postulate but do not develop predictive theories of motion. Velocity takes th...

Here I present the causal theory of definitions in SKT and its objections. Also I present the special choices, ad hoc in nature, that are laden in the theory. Further, I identify with cause the type of motion, which has causal powers and argue about the weaknesses of this theorization.

Reductionism is inherent in modern science; its power and limitations have been studied and articulated (Mittelstrass, 2014; KcKey, 2015). This power can be shown to derive from the "perfect fit" of reductionism with the Galilean hypoethetico-deductive (HD) and experimentation framework. Limitations so far have been centered on procedural bypassing...

Precision plays a crucial role in modern. However, as I argue, modern science is hybrid realistic and pragmatist; pragmatism-informed physical science relates to the definition of quantities. It is linked directly to predictability, a basic utilizatory facet of the current paradigm. This epistemology has been holding strongly because trying to aver...

The standard model of kinematics is a science that has dominated motion studies for 4 centuries. Based on its predictiive power, it has not been criticized or weak points articulated. This article attempts to do so, using sound arguments and inquisitive attitude, pointing to such weakness such as the ambiguous identification of episodes of motion....

This book presents a well-documented argument regarding the laden use of predictability values in science as a guide to theory development. The argument has 3 parts: proving that predictability based aims dominate science and that there is a big focus on this aim over and above other legit theory development concerns; finding evidence in the develo...

What is this "spacetime" that sometimes bursts like a stray bubble in scientific analysis? Why is it considered a fundamental concept/entity in the physical world? Is it ontological sister of matter? This article provides a review to these issues

The velocity-space relation was used as the prominent representation of motion by Galileo. It its nature it is a relational one. Due to its success, SKF (Standard Kinematics Formulation) has been synonymous with motion representation itself. While many also believe the current definition of acceleration is the authentic one and not related to a par...

Is there a route towards unifying diverse disciplines and paradigms, through a scientific inference that would describe for example equally well social science and physical science phenomena? My approach leans on the social science side of inference so it is the physical science that needs to adopt more but this is secondary. The implications of su...

Best theory status has been achieved by GR and QM. These theories applied to narrow fields, explained mostly non technical phenomena and appealed in most respect than high predictability. The explanatory deficiency of the SM theory which, due to its ambitious nature, fails to make explanations on topics that sprout from its premises are the only on...

As modern science was made on the motto "explain& unify" to beat Aristotle's "teleological explanation and why cause" mantra*, the first success product was Galileo's kinematics. However, succeed as it might and overshone Aristotle's, important aspects of new theory are dubious and suffer under criticism. I present a structured criticism here and i...

I introduce the concept of time-framed physical system to identify a solution used for Kinematics issues and classify all solution types enrolled together with their issues, as identified by Afxentiou (2022). Then I argue about the possibilities of different types of solutions that may lead to non 2-motion kinematics.

Newton's 2-motion kinematics is the only useful framework of kinematics known. It is based on identifying 2 conditions for motion, which lead to accelerated and uniform motions and related categories of physical systems. However, this framework faces difficult shortcomings in philosophical, epistemological and other aspects that limit its scope and...

The Newtonian criteria of motion have supervened the physics of motion. However, these criteria make some doubtful ontological and logical assumptions about motion despite paving the way for Newton's highly explanatory and predictive success theories. In this article I take a stand that claims this approach to motion has serious flaws and shed a li...

This article establishes a family of assessment models as being centered on a mechanical analogy in their theory that is inadequate and incompatible with learning theories, thus making these models problematic. I show that this model and learning theories models are incompatible and thus the supervision theories in teaching is inadequate

I claim that in scientific concepts there is a theory attached to them separate from the theory they serve (the theory the laws refer to these concepts subscribe) or, in case of very basic concepts, eminating from these, like force in Newtonian mechanics.

I argue that Phys. Quantity development is an undervalued scientific practice that has contribute to lack of progress in science. Reevaluating and mapping out more methodically the concept construction process will enable science to achieve valid progress. The rate of incorporation of new concepts is low compared to other fields. Dark matter was th...

Theory development in physics has been described as a vague subject or falling under the "method" auspices. But a more elaborate step-by-step guide is possible which reflects the process that successfully led to all main theories development. This can help track the creative process of scientists better and empower efforts to discovery.

The case of scepticism over instruction focused on empirical learning styles of empirical concepts-dominated physics towards by default nominal concept thinkers is a not developed one in science didactics. This article argues that default nominal concept type learners, according so Marlin definition of comprehension, face elevated demands for learn...

The article is honing on qualitative aspects& epistemological limitations of the 2 types of meaning of science concepts. It also shed light to why Einstein used advanced math object for his Laws, i. E they are derivable is this fashion because empirical meaning - based concepts operate at this dimension.

This article provide a cumulative account of the developments that led the foundations of epistemic reasoning blocks, such as the thesis of uninformativeness of analytic expressions and their independence from reality