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LTT: Mark Wilson
September 18, 2020 @ 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm EDT
Mark Wilson, Department of Philosophy, University of Pittsburgh
How “Wavelength” Found its Truth-Values
ABSTRACT: Philosophers of science and metaphysicians frequently declare that they are only interested in the “fundamental part” of a theory T, and not in the grubby tactics utilized to extract concrete conclusions from them. “As a philosopher I am only interested in the ontological realm to which a theory T is fundamentally committed. Useful approximation techniques cannot contribute to this basic interpretative task.” Assumptions of this type frequently appear in philosophical discussions focused upon “Maxwellian wave optics.” In a surprising manner, modern researches have essentially reversed prior opinions as to what is “approximate” and what is “fundamental” within this explanatory tangle. Upon this basis, we shall criticize influential philosophical judgements offered by John Worrall and Gordon Belot.
This talk will be a Zoom webinar. Registration link: https://pitt.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TrC4sJktREOyCCsO7xtRDQ
Details
- Date:
- September 18, 2020
- Time:
-
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm EDT
- Event Categories:
- Lunchtime Talks, Lunchtime Talks 2020-21
Venue
- Online Lecture