Conference

Symposium Metaphors for quantum science and technology

• Dunja Wackers

Date

Friday 29 November 2024

Time

13:00 - 16:30 hour

Address

Lipsius
Cleveringaplaats 1
2311 BD Leiden

Room

2.03

Poster symposium Metaphors for quantum science and technology

“That’s precisely not how quantum works” – On the reception of metaphors for quantum science and technology

Quantum science and technology is an emerging field of research that is expected to have a large impact on both science and society going forward. In order to increase societal engagement with quantum science and technology – and to enhance the chance that future developments in the field comply with societal needs and public values – public dialogue is of key importance.

However, the abstract and counterintuitive nature of quantum mechanics presents significant challenges in conveying its fundamental principles, applications, and implications to non-specialist audiences.

Metaphors can play an important role in bridging the gap between the abstract nature of quantum and broader public understanding.  A common example of a metaphor that is used in communication about quantum mechanics is the metaphor describing Schrödinger’s cat in a box, resembling the probabilistic nature of quantum physics.

Although metaphors can be effective in communication, they are not always (directly) accepted and are sometimes even opposed. Metaphors may, for instance, be questioned or even resisted for their underlying assumptions, or for lack of correspondence with the topic under discussion. This also holds for metaphors for quantum science and technology – as is demonstrated by discussions about metaphors for quantum on social media.

The above raises the questions how (different) metaphors for quantum are received by different audience segments, and what may trigger resistance to these metaphors amongst experts and laypersons

Programme

13.00	Doors open, coffee and tea
13.15	Welcome and introduction by Dr. Dunja Wackers, Dr.ir. Julia Cramer, Dr. Roosmaryn Pilgram, Leiden University
14.00	Talk: Resistance to Metaphor Speaker: Dr. Lotte van Poppel, University of Groningen
14.30	Break
14.45	Talk: "My strong feeling is that it is dangerous to use a metaphor for such a profound phenomenon":  Expert opinions on metaphors for quantum phenomena Speaker: Aletta Meinsma, Leiden University
15.15	How to study metaphor use in humor and audience reactions on social media Speaker: Dr. Britta Brugman, University of Amsterdam
15.45	Plenary discussion
16.15	Closing and drinks

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Everyone who is interested in this edition's topic is welcome. Please let us know if you are attending.

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