CfA: Athens workshop on ''The epistemology of dark matter and modified gravity" 19-20 June

"The Epistemology of Dark Matter and Modified Gravity" is a two-day workshop dedicated to exploring the philosophical implications of dark matter and modified gravity. The workshop will bring together physicists, and philosophers to discuss the ontological and epistemological implications of dark matter theory in cosmology.

Key Themes:

  • Ontological and Epistemological Questions:

    • What do dark matter and modified gravity imply about the ontology of the universe?
    • How do these phenomena challenge our understanding of scientific realism, anti-realism, or instrumentalism?

  • Scientific Methodology:

    • How do we decide between competing theories and competing models of dark matter?
    • What roles do prediction, explanation, and empirical adequacy play in theory choice?

  • Interdisciplinary Perspectives:

    • Insights from history and philosophy of science on theory change and paradigm shifts.
    • The role of computational and observational tools in shaping theoretical landscapes.

Speakers:

  • Chris Smeenk - Western University
  • Olga Mena - University of Valencia
  • Manos Saridakis - National Observatory of Athens
  • Siska De Baerdemaeker - Stockholm University
  • Simon Allzén - University of Amesterdam
  • Antonis Antoniou - University of Athens
  • more TBA...

 

Dates: 19-20 June 2025
Location: Historical archive, University of Athens (https://maps.app.goo.gl/Co9CTwmuioRmo8vG6)

Call for abstracts:

We invite researchers, scholars, and practitioners from philosophy, physics, cosmology, and related fields to submit abstracts dedicated to exploring the philosophical dimensions of dark matter and modified gravity. The abstracts should be suitable for a 45-minute talk to be delivered in person.

Submission Guidelines:

Please note that the number of available slots for contributing talks is limited. 

The event is organized as part of the Horizon Europe project ANDROMEDA and is funded by the European Union.


Workshop website: