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Content archived on 2024-05-28

The Epistemic Role of Scientific Idealization

Objective

In the contemporary philosophy of science, attention has been increasingly paid to the role of idealization in providing objective and genuine knowledge about natural phenomena, that is, knowledge that ascertains their mind-independent reality and also helps us to understand why they occur in the way they do. The main objectives of the present project are (1) the critical evaluation of the current views about scientific idealization that attempt to account for this role, and (2) the proposal of a new position about the ways in which idealization serves objectivity and understanding in physics, a position that overcomes the shortcomings of the current views.

With regard to (1), I focus on two recent influential attempts to accommodate idealization within a causal account of scientific explanation, by Michael Strevens and James Woodward, as well as on one equally recent and influential attempt, by James Ladyman and Steven French, to justify the view that objective knowledge requires that the structure of a theory be invariant.

With regard to (2), I build on the work of David Hilbert in the foundations of mathematics and physics. My goal is to explain in what sense idealization may be considered capable of providing objective and genuine scientific knowledge, without revealing the causes of natural phenomena, and without adverting to the notion of structural invariance.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

FP7-PEOPLE-2011-CIG
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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

MC-CIG - Support for training and career development of researcher (CIG)

Coordinator

UNIVERSITATEA DIN BUCURESTI
EU contribution
€ 75 000,00
Address
SOSEAUA PANDURI 90
050663 Bucuresti
Romania

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Region
Macroregiunea Trei Bucureşti-Ilfov Bucureşti
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

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