An den ersten drei Tagen (30.07. - 01.08.2018) findet das Seminar in Düsseldorf im Haus der Universität statt; die letzten beiden Tage (02.08. - 03.08.2018) an der Universität Bonn.

Zum Seminar:

Many famous thought experiments in philosophy, such as Descartes’ evil demon, Searle’s Chinese room, or Putnam’s twin Earth have had a great impact on theory building and concept analyses in epistemology, metaphysics, philosophy of language, ethics and other philosophical sub-disciplines. In this seminar, we will focus on questions concerning the nature, function, epistemology and logical structure of thought experiments in philosophy.

In particular, we will discuss the following questions: Which methodological role do thought experiments play? How can thought experiments be a source of knowledge? Are thought experiments mere arguments, albeit disguised in a pictorial or narrative form? Or do they transcend the epistemological and logical capacities of arguments?

In the second half of the seminar we will compare thought experiments to other philosophical methods such as inferences to the best explanation, abduction, and philosophy as modelling, transcendental arguments, serviceability or indispensability arguments and the Canberra Plan. We will also consider whether science can be a guide to philosophy.

Links

Sie finden die Veranstaltungsankündigung mit Literaturangaben im LSF.