CfA: Workshop “Methodological Transformations in Fundamental Physics” (Sept. 16-18, Wuppertal – Germany)
The success of science is often attributed to "the" scientific method, yet the definition and nature of this method remains a subject of philosophical debate. While traditional philosophy sought to establish a normative, static and universal account of the scientific method, more practice-oriented philosophers have stressed the dynamic nature of scientific method(s) since the post-positivist turn in philosophy of science. Recent developments in fundamental physics (String Theory, the Standard Model of particle physics and its extensions, early universe cosmology, etc.) offer promising case studies for investigating (the) scientific “method(s)” and its alleged dynamic and plastic nature. This workshop therefore proposes to review recent developments in fundamental physics (since the second half of the 20th century), in order to evaluate whether these developments entail significant methodological breaks with respect to the past. “Methods” is to be understood in a broad sense, which includes criteria of epistemic appraisal (acceptance) and heuristic appraisal (pursuit), but also more globally the computational, observational, experimental, and statistical means through which evidence is produced and assessed. The workshop welcomes perspectives from philosophers of science and philosophers of physics, historians, physicists, social epistemologists, and sociologists of science.
The discussion will be organized into three broad themes: “theory assessment in fundamental physics”; “epistemic implications of recent methodological approaches and new methodological challenges”; and “social and other dimensions of scientific methodology”.
Confirmed speakers
- Elena Castellani (University of Florence)
- Richard Dawid (University of Stockholm)
- Lydia Patton (Virginia Tech)
- Mike D. Schneider (University of Missouri)
- Chris Smeenk (Western University)
Submission guidelines
We welcome contributions from physicists, philosophers of science and physics, historians, social epistemologists, and sociologists of science. Those interested in participating should submit a title and an abstract of 500 words to grk2696@uni-wuppertal.de and plan for a 30 minute talk.
Deadline for submissions: June 1st
Decision notification: June 15th
Please contact grk2696@uni-wuppertal.de if you have any questions regarding the workshop.
Date & Location
The workshop will start on Monday, September 16th (in the morning) and end on Wednesday, September 18th. It will take place on the campus of the University of Wuppertal.