CfP: Reasoning in Physics
Modern Physics provides an extremely rich testing ground for
philosophical theories of scientific reasoning. In recent times, we
have seen the emergence of many new forms of theory confirmation
(analogue simulation, the no-alternatives argument, anthropic
reasoning, …), necessitated by the empirical inaccessibility of some
of the most prominent theories of modern physics and cosmology
(string theory, cosmic inflation, …). This workshop will bring
together researchers working on the epistemological problems posed
by contemporary physical theory, in order to better understand some
of these new patterns of physical reasoning and their relationship
to traditional theories of scientific reasoning and argumentation in
general (e.g. Bayesianism). Another key theme of the workshop will
be to explore the ability of traditional Bayesian confirmation
theory to account for the wide range of argumentative patterns used
by physicists. Relevant issues include, for example, the role and
epistemological status of toy models in physics, the ability of
Bayesianism to distinguish between neutral and disconfirming
evidence, the possibility of providing a Bayesian account of
anthropic probabilities, and the question of how strongly a theory
can be confirmed in the absence of direct empirical evidence.
We invite submissions of extended abstracts for talks (for 30 +
15-minute presentations) on any subject relating to `Reasoning in
Physics', broadly construed (see the conference website for a
partial list of relevant themes). Submissions should include a title
and an extended abstract (about 500 words including references) and
should be prepared for blind peer review. Please send all
submissions to Benjamin.Eva@lrz.uni-muenchen.
Submission Deadline: 10 November 2016
Notification: 17 November 2016
Conference Registration: info@cas.lmu.de
Organizers: