Public defense of doctoral thesis in physical sciences - Jean-Pierre Fréché
SummaryAt a time when a stream of research was striving to reformulate quantum mechanics by abolishing operators and substituting functions, Wigner and Szilard proposed in 1932 a quasi-probability distribution defined on phase space thanks to wave functions. They did not explain its genesis.The first part of our thesis proposes a genesis of this quasi-distribution, based on the natural conditions it must fulfill. It briefly examines a pathology it suffers from: exhibiting negative values in certain subdomains of the phase space (hence the "quasi"), a pathology that does no harm to the calculation of mean values. She then shows how, if we take spin into account, with wave functions giving way to spinners, we are led, thanks to the calculation of mean values of observables, to a generalization of this quasi-distribution in the form of a Hermitian matrix. This approach is extended to the Wigner cross transform, i.e. to weak values.An important theorem, which has been the subject of a publication, is proved in the second part of our thesis. Using harmonic analysis, this result expresses weak values in terms of an integral over a Lie group acting on the Hilbert space under consideration. We give two particular examples: SU(2) and SO(3). The case of a quotient group is briefly discussed.In a third section, we recall the well-known link between Clifford algebras and two important equations of quantum physics: the Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations, and its generalization to Riemannian spacetimes.Finally, in a fourth section we introduce spin groups, and use the spin group Spin(3,2) in the context of the Wigner cross transform discussed in the first section.JuryProf. André FÜZFA (UNamur), PresidentProf. Yves CAUDANO (UNamur), SecretaryDr. Thomas DURT (Institut Fresnel and Ecole Centrale Marseille, Marseille, France)Prof. Romain MURENZI (Worcester Polytecnic Institute)Prof. Dominique LAMBERT (UNamur)Prof. Bertrand HESPEL (UNamur)Prof. André HARDY (UNamur)
See content
Preparing the ground. Gestures, supports and discourses of exploratory work in literature and film
The colloquium will be held on Tuesday, April 15 and Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the University of Namur (Belgium). Proposals for papers (programmatic title and abstract of 500 signs, followed by a biobibliography) can be sent by November 15, 2024 to Jean-Benoit.Gabriel@unamur.be and Denis.Saint-Amand@unamur.be.
See content
Historical sociology - Session 2. The construction of notions: analytical operators, comparatism and singular concepts
If interdisciplinarity is a buzzword within the academic bureaucracy, it's hard to conclude that it exists in practice. Embracing a slogan does not an epistemology make, and claiming progress is no guarantee of it. To prevent the interdisciplinary approach from being reduced to avant-gardism, it is necessary to define the practical conditions for bringing together the different social sciences, going beyond the encounter between academic disciplines or the eclectic taste for the exotic. The eight sessions of the course presented below will seek to provide both a method for the construction of analytical notions by young researchers in history and sociology, and a set of tools favoring the objectification of scientific work in the social sciences.Session 2 - The construction of notions: analytical operators, comparatism and singular conceptsAs the division of labor between sociology as a producer of notions and history as a source of examples constitutes one of the main epistemological obstacles to a consistent practice of historical sociology, it is necessary to define a method for the elaboration of notions that can serve as analytical operators. In this context, the question of comparatism, a term covering diverse and sometimes contrary practices, appears central.Possibility of following the seminar online via Teams
See content
Meeting with Leïla Slimani
Leïla Slimani explores, between 1945 and the present day, the destiny of a family divided between France and Morocco. Games of domination, the weight of inheritance, the place of women and questions of identity are at the heart of this virtuoso and ambitious trilogy. From one generation to the next, each of the characters struggles to find their place in a territory, a body or an imagination monopolized by others. Carried by vivid, precise writing and a powerful breath, the family fresco unfolds to touch on the universal and embrace resolutely contemporary themes.Leïla Slimani's novelistic work is published by Gallimard Editions and translated in many countries.To close this evening, a drink will be offered, allowing you to extend the discussions in a convivial atmosphere.
More about GCN
See content
ILEE Lunch seminar
ILEE Research day
With oral and poster presentations by ILEE affiliates. Students and young researchers are particularly invited to present their research and practice their presentation skills in English. The day is also important for ILEE members as it enables them to keep abreast of ongoing projects in different disciplines and to foster collaboration.At the end of the day, the annual general meeting of all members will take place with a summary of the past year's activities and achievements.We are honored to announce that Arnaud Péters, PhD in history and founder of sites_H, will be the keynote speaker!
See content
Preparatory courses
A program for every discipline
During late August and early September, UNamur offers rheto students preparatory courses tailored to their future training.These revision sessions are specially designed to support students in their transition to university. By reinforcing their foundations in the key subjects of their future discipline, they enable them to approach their first year with confidence. These preparatory courses are also an excellent opportunity to discover the campus, meet future classmates and familiarize themselves with the learning methods specific to higher education.
Discover the preparatory courses
Preparation for the medical entrance exam
For students wishing to begin studying medicine, two sessions are also organized according to a specific timetable to prepare for the entrance exam.
Discover the preparatory courses for the entrance exam to medicine
See content
Public thesis defense - Joey SOUDANT
REHNam Conference | The Phenakistiscope: have you heard of it?
The lecture - abundantly illustrated with animations - retraces an original facet of the history of science and of a very particular field of medical diagnosis.
Read more
See content
Inauguration of the "One Health / Une Seule Santé" teaching unit
Why "One Health"?
Human, animal and environmental health are closely interrelated. The aim of this new teaching unit is to train future healthcare professionals in a global and interdisciplinary approach to health, taking these complex interactions into account.
The program
Speeches by Ms Annick Castiaux, Rector of UNamur and Mr Grégoire Wiëers, Director of the Department of MedicineOpening speech by Mr Yves Coppieters, Minister of HealthPresentation of the teaching unit and its objectivesExchange with future students and healthcare professionalsCocktailRegistration free but compulsory.
I want to register
See content
Chair 2024-2025 | Caring for people, the living, the earth - Health in transition for the common good
Jeudi 20/02/2025 | Qu’est-ce que « soigner » ? Qu’est-ce que la santé ?
Séance inaugurale de la Chaire du Centre Universitaire Notre-Dame de la PaixBarbara Stiegler (philosophe, Université Bordeaux-Montaigne) et Gaël Giraud sj (économiste et théologien, CNRS, Docteur Honoris Causa UNamur)Auditoire S01 - De 18h30 à 20h30
Inscriptions
The Notre-Dame de la Paix Chair
Plus d'infos sur le cycle de conférence
The Notre-Dame de la Paix Chair
See content
Chair 2024-2025 | Caring for people, the living, the earth - Health in transition for the common good
The program
Thursday 13/03/2025 | Caring for societyThursday 27/03/2025 | Global health, a discipline of medicineThursday 10/04/2025 | Caring for nature
Our Lady of Peace Chair
See content