CfA: (SCIENTIFIC) OBSERVATION AND BACKGROUND EFFECTS

Call for Abstracts / Registration
The Centre for Philosophy of Science (ZfW) at WWU Münster, Germany will host a workshop on

Thursday, July 11, 1 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. and
Friday, July 12, 2019, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
on
(Scientific) Observation and Background Effects
Conceptualization, Epistemic Issues, & Mechanisms.

Venue: WWU Münster, Department of Philosophy, Room DPL 23.315, Domplatz 23, 48143 Münster, Germany.

Which effects of background beliefs on scientific observation are possible, even actual? This classic question concerning the theory-ladenness of observation has recently seen renewed interest in epistemology, philosophy of mind, social philosophy (implicit bias), and in the neuro- and cognitive sciences (predictive coding). On the one hand, we are interested in effects which proceed not just from background beliefs, but from a whole range of cognitive states: desires, hopes, worries, prejudices and moods. On the other hand, we are interested in effects which, proceeding from such cognitive states, affect many kinds of experience, not just scientific observation (cognitive penetration). As Sally Haslanger put it: “Ideology manages experience.” Central questions of this workshop are:

  • What kinds of influence might subjective background states exert on (scientific and other) observation? Which metaphysical accounts of experience can accommodate such potential influences and what kinds of mechanism could account for them?
  • What epistemic consequences do such influences entail for different accounts of experience and observation? How can proponents of different accounts accommodate them?
Two slots have been reserved for young researchers/postgraduates (40 minutes talk + 30 minutes for discussion). If you would like to present some of your work that is related to the topic of the workshop, please submit a proposal, together with a short abstract to logic.language@wwu.de by June 18.

The organisers will inform you about the acceptance as soon as possible. Bursaries for covering part of your travel and lodging expenses are available.
There is no registration fee, but places are limited. If you are interested in participating, please register by e-mail to logic.language@wwu by June 18.
Organisers:
Ass. Prof. Dr. Raja Rosenhagen, Ashoka University, Sonipat/India

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Niko Strobach, WWU Münster