Philosophy and science used to be one and the same activity, but their paths have been apart for a while now. Scientists embarked on the quest for empirical data, building ever more sophisticated instruments to compel nature to reveal its secrets. Philosophers remained in their armchairs, harnessing the power of abstract thinking to capture logical universalities about the world. But are both parties winning from such a separation? Is there something to gain from understanding each other's language?
This symposium is an attempt to explore some practical links between scientific and philosophical research in the light of the mutual interest that seem to exist on both sides of the disciplinary border. There are specific areas in theoretical physics, cognitive science, and ethics of science where scientists and philosophers work side by side. The interest is to see if such a partnership is possible (and desirable) in other research areas. The symposium is an attempt to launch a dialogue on this question using some specific cases as prompts.
The event will take place both on-site and online. If you attend in person, make sure to have your covid certificate with you and please wear the mask throughout the event.
10 December 2021
Zoom: Registration here
Final Programme (CET)
Morning Session (Science 3, Room 1S081)
10.30 Kostas Kampourakis (Section of Biology).....................Concept analysis: theoretical and empirical perspectives
11.00 Marcel Weber (Department of Philosophy)..................The epistemic role of idealizations in experimental biology: The case of
morphogen gradients
11.30 Dominique Belin (CMU)........................................................On Models
12.00 Karsten Kruse (Section of Physics/(Bio)Chemistry)...On the Phenomenon of Self-organization
Afternoon Session (Science 3, Room 3079)
13.15 13.30 David Shore (Section of Biology) .......................................On Encounters with Philosophy during Scientific Career
13.45 14.00 Michele Luchetti (Department of Philosophy)..........On Extensions of Natural Selection Theory
14.15 14.30 Michal Hladky (Department of Philosophy).................On in silico Methods: Neuroscience without Brains
14.45 15.00 Leila Haegel (Université de Paris).....................................Möbius Seminar: launching a seminar for physicists and philosophers
15.15 15.30 Anatolii Kozlov (Department of Philosophy)................On Emotions and Beauty in Scientific Experimental Research
The symposium is a part of the SNF SPARK-funded project "Scientific Beauty, Sublime, and Awe", CRSK-1_196500 (2020-2021).