Structuralism in Twentieth Century Physics
One-Day Workshop
Division of History and Philosophy of Science
School of Philosophy
University of Leeds
Friday June 14
The importance of structuralism in early twentieth century
philosophy has long been recognised and different strains of this
approach can be readily identified in the work of Poincaré, Russell,
Cassirer, Schlick and others. However, the manner in which such
tendencies have intertwined with the physics of the time has been
less well explored. With the recent emphasis on forms of 'structural
realism' which have themselves drawn on developments in
physics, it seems more appropriate than ever to further advance
such an exploration. Our aim in this workshop is precisely to
investigate some of the ways in which structuralism has impacted
on twentieth century physics and - moving in the other direction -
the ways in which the physics has been incorporated into and
affected structuralism itself. In addition to the talks listed below, we
shall allow plenty of time for further discussion of this important
aspect of the inter-relationship between physics and philosophy.
Schedule:
All talks will take place in Baines Wing Room G36; lunch will be in
the Philosophy Foyer
11.00 - 11.15
Welcome
11.15 - 12.30
Tom Ryckman, "General Relativity, Structuralism, Transcendental
Idealism: The Case of Weyl and Eddington"
12.30 - 1.30 lunch
1.30 - 2.45
Michel Bitbol, "Jean-Louis Destouches' Transcendental
Structuralism"
2.45 - 3.15 tea
3.15 - 4.30
Steven French, "From Groups to Gestalt: Structuralist Responses
to Quantum Indistinguishability"
4.30 - 5.30
General Discussion
Registration (in advance please): £6
(vegetarian lunch included - please specify if vegan)
Cheques should be made out to "The University of Leeds" and
sent to: Steven French, School of Philosophy, University of Leeds,
Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
The organisers would like to thank the British Society for the
Philosophy of Science and the School of Philosophy for their
support.
Dr. Gregory Radick
Lecturer in History and Philosophy of Science
Division of History and Philosophy of Science
School of Philosophy
Leeds University
Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
Tel: (+44) 0113 343 3278
Fax: (+44) 0113 343 3265
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