Do the history of science and the philosophy of science have a future
together?

June 16th 12-6 p.m.

Department of Science and Technology Studies, University College London

(together with Division of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Leeds)

Over thirty years ago Lakatos famously quipped that "philosophy of
science without history of science is empty; history of science
without philosophy of science is blind". However, the relationship
between the two has changed dramatically since those halcyon days.
 From the perspective of the philosopher of science it may appear
that the history of science has narrowed its focus to social and
local histories with little if any philosophical input or
consideration. On the other hand, the historian of science, looking
at what goes on in the philosophy of science, may see a highly
formalised discourse that has little relevance to the understanding
of scientific practice or the actual history of scientific development.

Our aim in this workshop is to contemplate these different
perceptions and explore ways in which the two disciplines might more
productively relate to one another in the future. We shall do so not
only with regard to research in the field but also in relation to how
teaching might be informed by this relationship. It is our intention
to hold further annual workshops, developing specific themes as they
emerge and initiating new approaches to this issue.

The first workshop will be held at UCL. and is open to all in the HPS
community but we would particularly welcome postgraduates and
postdoctoral scholars in the field.

Programme

12.00-1.00pm            Welcome and sandwich lunch
1.00-2.30pm             Session 1
Hasok Chang, (UCL): 'HPS as 'Complementary Science''
Greg Radick (Leeds): 'Get Real!'

2.30-3.00pm             coffee/tea

3.00-4.30pm             Session 2
Michela Massimi (UCL): 'Towards a Historically Informed Philosophy of
Science'
Steven French (Leeds): 'Mind the Gap: Exploring the Asymmetries of
History and Philosophy of Science'

4.30-5.00pm             coffee/tea

5.00-6.00pm             Session 3
Panel discussion on HPS teaching: Joe Cain (UCL); Geoff Cantor
(Leeds); Grant Fisher (UCL); Graeme Gooday, (Leeds); Chair: David
Mossley (HEA)

6.00-8.00pm             Reception and buffet supper


Registration: £20 (inc. lunch and buffet supper)

Please contact Steven French at the address below or by email by June
2nd.


Steven French
Professor of Philosophy of Science
Division of History and Philosophy of Science
School of Philosophy
University of Leeds
Leeds LS2 9JT

Tel: 0113 3433279
Fax: 0113 343 3265
Email: [log in to unmask]
http://www.philosophy.leeds.ac.uk/Staff/SF/Index.htm

President, British Society for the Philosophy of Science