34I0197
This course is co-taught with Marcel Weber.
Philosophers of science are puzzled by the fact that, according to a robust scientific consensus, everything (material) consists of the same kind of matter subject to the same physical laws, yet there exist numerous successful sciences with their own principles that appear to be independent of fundamental physics, such as biology, psychology, economics, etc. Even some areas of chemistry, condensed matter physics and thermodynamics have resisted a complete reduction to fundamental physics. In what sense, then, is physics fundamental? And how can we explain the autonomy or the sheer existence of the “special sciences”? This seminar will approach these questions from two different angles, namely the philosophy of physics and (mainly) the philosophy of biology.
Important information: Due to the European Philosophy of Science Association meeting in Belgrade, this seminar will begin on 27 September. Students are expected to read the article by Oppenheim and Putnam (see below) for the first meeting. This article as well as the other seminar readings are available on Moodle.
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