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CfP Simplicities and Complexities International Conference
by Miguel Ángel Carretero Sahuquillo Oct. 29, 2018

Oct. 29, 2018

International Conference on Simplicities and Complexities 22-24 May 2019 Bonn, Germany Call for Papers - Deadline: 15 January 2019 https://www.lhc-epistemologie.uni-wuppertal.de/complexities <https://www.lhc-epistemologie.uni-wuppertal.de/complexities> https://easychair.org/cfp/simplecomplex1 <https://easychair.org/cfp/simplecomplex1> “Simplicities and Complexities" will take place from 22 to 24 May 2019 at the University of Bonn, Germany. It aims to bring together scientists and scholars from a spectrum of disciplines such as physics, biology, ecology, chemistry, and computational science, as well as from philosophy, sociology, and history of science. This conference is organized by the interdisciplinary, DFG- and FWF-funded research unit "Epistemology of the LHC <https://www.lhc-epistemologie.uni-wuppertal.de/home.html>". Philosophers and scientists alike have often assumed simplicity to be an epistemic ideal. Some examples of theories taken as successful realizations of this ideal include General Relativity and Darwin's theory of Natural Selection. These theories influenced early and mid-20th century philosophers' understanding of the criteria successful scientific theories and practices had to meet, even when facing complex phenomena. However, this influence did not mean that the notion of simplicity was clear-cut. A suitable and encompassing definition of simplicity has yet to be developed. Some unanswered questions include: In what sense can and do physicists consider a theory, such as the Standard Model of elementary particle physics, as being sufficiently simple? How do ideals of simplicity differ when applied to disciplines other than physics? Biological concepts, for example, do not tend to refer to laws, whereas concepts from the social sciences frequently resort to notions of order and structure that are different from those of natural sciences. Are there, accordingly, simplicities (in plural) rather than a unified logic-inspired notion? Finally, are there cases where simplicity is simply a bad epistemic ideal, and not merely for the reason that it is often unreachable? Throughout the 20th century the sciences have approached more and more complex phenomena, in tune with the increased social relevance of scientific knowledge. The perceived need to address complexity head-on has led to a broader reaction against simplification and reductionism within the sciences. However, if simplicity, in its various outfits, has proven an unreliable guide, what should it be replaced with? Looking at the various strategies of addressing complexity in the sciences and the disciplines reflecting upon them, it appears that the notion is at least as variegated as simplicity. To be sure, there exist measures of complexity as well as mathematical, empirical, or discursive strategies to deal with it, but they vary strongly from one discipline to another. The aim of the conference is to analyze, differentiate, and connect the various notions and practices of simplicity and complexity, in physics as well as in other sciences, guided by the following questions: Which kinds and levels of simplicity can be distinguished (e.g. formal or ontological, structural or practical)? Which roles do they play and which purposes do they serve? Does simplicity, in a suitable reformulation, remain a valid ideal - and if so, in which fields and problem contexts? Or, instead, where has it been abandoned or replaced by a plurality of interconnected approaches and alternative perspectives? What about complexity? How is the complexity of an object of investigation addressed (represented, mirrored, negated, etc.) by the adopted theoretical and empirical approaches in different fields? Addressing complex problems, especially those relevant to society, requires institutional settings beyond the traditional research laboratory. How does the complexity of such settings relate to the complexity of epistemic strategies and of the problems themselves? In what sense can we trust the other players in a complex epistemic network? How should we conceive of the relation between simplicity and complexity? Are there alternatives to seeing complexity in opposition to simplicity? Does physics, in virtue of its history, maintain its special position in the contemporary debates on simplicity and complexity? What do reflections on the epistemic cultures of ecology, cultural anthropology, economics, etc. have to offer in terms of how simplicities and complexities can be balanced? We invite contributors from a spectrum of disciplines, scientists and scholars reflecting on their respective and neighboring research fields, as well as historians, philosophers, and sociologists of science investigating the epistemologies, practices, and discourses of fellow epistemic communities. The conference will thrive on intense discussion surpassing disciplinary boundaries. Invited Speakers Physics: Robert Harlander, RWTH Aachen (Germany) Stephen Blundell, University of Oxford (UK) Beate Heinemann, DESY Freiburg (Germany) Philosophy: Michael Stöltzner, University of South Carolina (US) Marta Bertolaso, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome (Italy) Alan Baker, Swarthmore College (US) STS: Talia Dan-Cohen, Washington University in St. Louis (US) Stefan Böschen, RWTH Aachen (Germany) Other Sciences: Volker Grimm, Helmholtz Centre for Enviromental Research (Germany) Thomas Vogt, University of South Carolina (US) Other speakers will be announced soon Call for Papers https://easychair.org/cfp/simplecomplex1 <https://easychair.org/cfp/simplecomplex1> The organisation committee invites abstract submissions on the theme of the conference. Short abstracts (200-300 words) should be submitted to EasyChair by 15 January 2019. We aim to communicate our decision by 28 February. Submissions are welcome from the broad spectrum of scientific fields. Organization This workshop is organized by the DFG and FWF-funded research unit "Epistemology of the LHC <https://www.lhc-epistemologie.uni-wuppertal.de/home.html>". Cristin Chall (University of Bonn) Dennis Lehmkuhl (University of Bonn) Niels Martens (RWTH Aachen) Martina Merz (University of Klagenfurt) Miguel Ángel Carretero Sahuquillo (University of Wuppertal) Gregor Schiemann (University of Wuppertal) Michael Stöltzner (University of South Carolina) Contact For further information, please contact lhc.epistemology(a)uni-wuppertal.de <mailto:lhc.epistemology@uni-wuppertal.de>

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Registration for Conference, Analogical Reasoning in Science and Mathematics
by Erik Curiel Oct. 12, 2018

Oct. 12, 2018

ANALOGICAL REASONING IN SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS MCMP, LMU Munich 26-28 October 2018 https://www.analogicalreasoning2018.philosophie.uni-muenchen.de/index.html ********************************************* Analogy is a powerful, yet controversial, tool of scientific reasoning. Indeed, many achievements in the history of science and mathematics have been driven by analogical inferences. Moreover, one can formulate conjectures about domains into which one does not have empirical access just based on analogy with other known domains. Nonetheless, from a logical point of view analogical inferences do not yield conclusions with certainty. So, what is it that justifies the use of analogy in science and mathematics? And how reliable is analogical reasoning? This conference will address such open philosophical problems. ********************************************* REGISTRATION: Please send registration requests by 23. Jan 2018 to the co-organizer Giovanni Valente (giovanni.valente(a)polimi.it) The email should have the subject: "register analogical reasoning" . Also please indicate whether you plan to attend the conference dinner (27 Oct, 2018). There is no fee for the conference. The conference dinner will cost EUR 35 (alcohol not included). -- Erik Curiel Assistant Professor Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy Lehrstuhl für Wissenschaftstheorie Fakultät für Philosophie, Wissenschaftstheorie und Religionswissenschaft Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Senior Research Fellow Black Hole Initiative Harvard University Research Fellow Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Radio and Geoastronomy Division http://strangebeautiful.com

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announcent of conference "Concepts of Probability in the Sciences"
by Erik Curiel Sept. 28, 2018

Sept. 28, 2018

The conference "Concepts of Probability in the Sciences" will be held at the Erwin Schrödinger International Institute for Mathematics and Physics in Vienna, 29-30 October 2018 (https://www.esi.ac.at/activities/events/2018/probability-symposium) The conference is dedicated to the many facets of the probability concept in the sciences. Experts from various disciplines will give lectures aimed at researchers and students, in particular in physics, mathematics and the life sciences, interested in foundational issues and applications of probability. Erik -- Erik Curiel Assistant Professor Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy Lehrstuhl für Wissenschaftstheorie Fakultät für Philosophie, Wissenschaftstheorie und Religionswissenschaft Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Senior Research Fellow Black Hole Initiative Harvard University Research Fellow Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Radio and Geoastronomy Division http://strangebeautiful.com

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Second Hermann Minkowski Meeting on the Foundations of Spacetime Physics
by Vesselin Petkov Aug. 21, 2018

Aug. 21, 2018

Second Hermann Minkowski Meeting on the Foundations of Spacetime Physics http://www.minkowskiinstitute.org/meetings/2019/ Contact: minkowski2019(a)minkowskiinstitute.org Date: May 13, 2019 - May 16, 2019 Location: Albena (near Varna), Bulgaria The Second Hermann Minkowski Meeting on the Foundations of Spacetime Physics will commemorate the 110th anniversary of the publication of Minkowski's lecture "Space and Time" in 1909, which presented the novel ideas of the four-dimensional physics of spacetime. In addition to technical papers on areas related to Minkowski's contributions to the foundations of spacetime physics and on modern ramifications of his ideas, contributions on closely related topics will be also welcome. In addition to talks and poster sessions, special (extra) tea / coffee hours will be included in the program to stimulate more informal discussions among the participants. For this reason we encourage interested colleagues to attend the meeting even if they do not plan to give a talk. Contributed papers in the form of extended abstracts from one to two standard pages should be emailed by Thursday, January 31, 2019 to minkowski2019(a)minkowskiinstitute.org. Submissions will be reviewed and notification of acceptance will be given by Friday, March 1, 2019. Scientific Organizing Committee: Abhay Ashtekar (Penn State University) Dennis Dieks (Utrecht University) George F. R. Ellis (University of Cape Town) Valeria Ferrari (University of Rome "La Sapienza") David Garfinkle (Okland University) Robert Geroch (University of Chicago) James Isenberg (University of Oregon) Claus Kiefer (University of Cologne) Vesselin Petkov (Minkowski Institute, Montreal) Carlo Rovelli (Centre de Physique Theorique de Luminy) Mairi Sakellariadou (King's College London, University of London) James Owen Weatherall (University of California, Irvine) Nick Woodhouse (University of Oxford, Clay Mathematics Institute) Christian Wüthrich (University of Geneva)

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conference on energy conditions in quantum theory and gravity at York
by Erik Curiel Aug. 12, 2018

Aug. 12, 2018

https://sites.google.com/a/york.ac.uk/energy-conditions-in-quantum-theory-a… Classical energy conditions were introduced as a means of codifying generic properties of matter in general relativity. They play key roles in the singularity theorems of Hawking and Penrose and in many other results of mathematical relativity. However, not all models of classical matter obey the pointwise energy conditions, and quantum fields cannot obey any of them. This workshop will address two main themes, bringing together experts in both areas: (a) the use of weakened energy conditions in classical relativity, (b) the Quantum Energy Inequalities that can be proved for various quantum field theory models, and their consequences. In addition, related topics in mathematical relativity and quantum field theory will be discussed. This workshop also falls in the 40th anniversary year of the first paper on energy inequalities in quantum field theory. [LH Ford, Proc.Roy.Soc.Lond. A364 (1978) 227-236] Hope to see some of you there! Yours, Erik -- Erik Curiel Assistant Professor Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy Lehrstuhl für Wissenschaftstheorie Fakultät für Philosophie, Wissenschaftstheorie und Religionswissenschaft Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Senior Research Fellow Black Hole Initiative Harvard University Research Fellow Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Radio and Geoastronomy Division http://strangebeautiful.com

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Fwd: [quantum-foundations] Conference Progress and Visions in Quantum Theory in View of Gravity
by Erik Curiel July 17, 2018

July 17, 2018

-------- Forwarded Message -------- Subject: [quantum-foundations] Conference Progress and Visions in Quantum Theory in View of Gravity Date: Thu, 12 Jul 2018 15:48:28 +0200 From: Johannes Kleiner <johannes.kleiner(a)mathematik.uni-regensburg.de> Reply-To: johannes.kleiner(a)itp.uni-hannover.de To: quantum-foundations(a)maillist.ox.ac.uk Dear all, It is a pleasure to announce the conference "Progress and Visions in Quantum Theory in View of Gravity". Conference Website: http://www.mis.mpg.de/qft2018 Poster: https://jkleiner.de/Quantum-Theory-in-View-of-Gravity.pdf With best regards on behalf of all organizers, Johannes Kleiner <https://jkleiner.de/Quantum-Theory-in-View-of-Gravity.pdf> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Progress and Visions in Quantum Theory in View of Gravity Bridging foundations of physics and mathematics October 01 - 05, 2018 Max Planck Institute for Mathematics in the Sciences, Leipzig, Germany The conference focuses on a critical discussion of the status and prospects of current approaches in quantum mechanics and quantum field theory, in particular concerning gravity. In contrast to typical conferences, instead of reporting on the most recent technical results, participants are invited to discuss - visions and new ideas in foundational physics, in particular concerning foundations of quantum field theory - which physical principles of quantum (field) theory can be considered fundamental in view of gravity - new experimental perspectives in the interplay of gravity and quantum theory. Further information online. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Organizers: Felix Finster, Domenico Giulini, Johannes Kleiner, Jürgen Tolksdorf Johannes Kleiner Institute for Theoretical Physics Leibniz University of Hannover johannes.kleiner(a)itp.uni-hannover.de jkleiner.de <https://jkleiner.de/>

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Foundations of Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Information Theory: A Workshop with Jeffrey Bub
by Neil Dewar June 11, 2018

June 11, 2018

********************************************* The Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy invites registrations for the following event: Foundations of Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Information Theory: A Workshop with Jeffrey Bub MCMP, LMU Munich June 20, 2018 http://www.mcmp.philosophie.uni-muenchen.de/events/workshops/container/foun… <http://www.mcmp.philosophie.uni-muenchen.de/events/workshops/container/foun…> ********************************************* The foundations of quantum mechanics have long been a focus of philosophical interest, from both philosophers of science and physicists: what is the best resolution of the so-called “measurement problem”? What is the nature and status of the quantum correlations? And how best do we understand the differences between quantum and classical mechanics? With Jeffrey Bub, whose recent book Bananaworld explores quantum foundations from an information-theoretic perspective, this workshop will examine such conceptual and philosophical issues. Registration: Please send notice to attend to neil.dewar(a)lrz.uni-muenchen.de <mailto:neil.dewar@lrz.uni-muenchen.de>. If you want to join the Conference Dinner (at your own expense), please mention it in your registration message. Organizers Neil Dewar <http://www.mcmp.philosophie.uni-muenchen.de/people/faculty/dewar_neil/index…> Stephan Hartmann <http://www.mcmp.philosophie.uni-muenchen.de/people/faculty/hartmann/index.h…> -- Neil Dewar Assistant Professor Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy Lehrstuhl für Wissenschaftstheorie Fakultät für Philosophie, Wissenschaftstheorie und Religionswissenschaft Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Ludwigstraße 31 80539 München, Deutschland neildewar.wordpress.com <http://neildewar.wordpress.com/>

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Black Hole Initiative essay competition
by Erik Curiel May 22, 2018

May 22, 2018

As the first interdisciplinary center for the study of black holes, the Black Hole Initiative (BHI, https://bhi.fas.harvard.edu/) is a nexus for scholars from fields in which black holes play prominent roles: Mathematics, Philosophy, Astronomy, Physics and History. A central mission of the BHI is to foster cross-disciplinary studies and communication of results in the rapidly growing area of black hole science. Engaging essays that illuminate research and ideas are solicited for a competition, with monetary awards for the top 5 papers. See the flyer for details. Erik -- Erik Curiel http://strangebeautiful.com Assistant Professor Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy Lehrstuhl für Wissenschaftstheorie Fakultät für Philosophie, Wissenschaftstheorie und Religionswissenschaft Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Ludwigstraße 31 80539 München, Deutschland http://www.mcmp.philosophie.uni-muenchen.de BHI Research Fellow Black Hole Initiative Harvard University http://bhi.fas.harvard.edu Research Fellow Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Radio and Geoastronomy Division https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/rg

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Conference: The Formal Semantics of Theories, Salzburg
by Erik Curiel May 16, 2018

May 16, 2018

I would like to draw your attention to the conference "The Formal Semantics of Theories: Conceptual and Historical Foundations", taking place at the University of Salzburg, 07.-08. June 2018. Please see the attached poster for details. Yours, Erik -- Erik Curiel http://strangebeautiful.com Assistant Professor Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy Lehrstuhl für Wissenschaftstheorie Fakultät für Philosophie, Wissenschaftstheorie und Religionswissenschaft Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Ludwigstraße 31 80539 München, Deutschland http://www.mcmp.philosophie.uni-muenchen.de BHI Research Fellow Black Hole Initiative Harvard University http://bhi.fas.harvard.edu Research Fellow Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Radio and Geoastronomy Division https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/rg -- Erik Curiel http://strangebeautiful.com Assistant Professor Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy Lehrstuhl für Wissenschaftstheorie Fakultät für Philosophie, Wissenschaftstheorie und Religionswissenschaft Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Ludwigstraße 31 80539 München, Deutschland http://www.mcmp.philosophie.uni-muenchen.de BHI Research Fellow Black Hole Initiative Harvard University http://bhi.fas.harvard.edu Research Fellow Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Radio and Geoastronomy Division https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/rg

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CFP: First Irvine-Munich-PoliMi-Salzburg Conference in Philosophy and Foundations of Physics
by Erik Curiel April 12, 2018

April 12, 2018

*First Irvine-Munich-PoliMi-Salzburg Conference in Philosophy and Foundations of Physics* *(IMPS 2018)* *Organizing committee: *Erik Curiel (Munich), Patricia Palacios (Salzburg), Giovanni Valente (Milan), Jim Weatherall (Irvine), and Charlotte Werndl (Salzburg) *Call for Papers* Over the past decades, important contributions to the mathematical and conceptual foundations of physical theories have been made within the philosophical community. Conversely, critical analysis of the formal structures of our best physical theories inform central philosophical concerns, and in some cases new theorems have been proven and new lines of argument developed that are of philosophical significance. This conference aims to bring together philosophers, physicists, and mathematicians working on such issues. The event will be held on September 3-4, 2018 at the University of Salzburg (Austria). It will immediately precede a workshop on "Time in Physics" taking place on September 4-5, 2018. Speakers for the workshop include Harvey Brown (Oxford), Patricia Palacios (Salzburg), Bryan Roberts (London), Jos Uffink (Minnesota), Francesca Vidotto (Bilbao) and Christian Wuthrich (Geneva). Papers on any topic of philosophy and foundations of physics by younger researchers, especially graduate students and post-doctoral scholars, are particularly encouraged and will be given priority. Papers of no longer than 5000 words should be submitted via EasyChair (https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=imps20180 ) by June 1, 2018. Decisions will be communicated by July 1, 2018. For more information visit: https://impsnetwork.wordpress.com/ -- Erik Curiel http://strangebeautiful.com Assistant Professor Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy Lehrstuhl für Wissenschaftstheorie Fakultät für Philosophie, Wissenschaftstheorie und Religionswissenschaft Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Ludwigstraße 31 80539 München, Deutschland http://www.mcmp.philosophie.uni-muenchen.de BHI Research Fellow Black Hole Initiative Harvard University 20 Garden Street Cambridge, MA 02138, USA http://bhi.fas.harvard.edu Research Fellow Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Radio and Geoastronomy Division 60 Garden Street Cambridge, MA 02138, USA https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/rg -- Erik Curiel http://strangebeautiful.com Assistant Professor Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy Lehrstuhl für Wissenschaftstheorie Fakultät für Philosophie, Wissenschaftstheorie und Religionswissenschaft Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Ludwigstraße 31 80539 München, Deutschland http://www.mcmp.philosophie.uni-muenchen.de BHI Research Fellow Black Hole Initiative Harvard University 20 Garden Street Cambridge, MA 02138, USA http://bhi.fas.harvard.edu Research Fellow Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Radio and Geoastronomy Division 60 Garden Street Cambridge, MA 02138, USA https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/rg

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