The Department of Logic & Philosophy of Science and Department of Philosophy present

"The Semantic Approach to Science, After 50 Years"
with Bas C. van Fraassen, Professor, Philosophy Department, San Francisco State University

Friday, February 7, 2014
3:00-5:00 p.m.
Social & Behavioral Sciences Gateway (SBSG), Room 1517

The 1960s saw many revolutions, worldwide, and some of that epoch’s revolutionary spirit manifested itself in philosophy of science, with strong reactions against the dominant ‘received view’ of Logical Positivism.Scientific realism emerged to dispute ontology, Kuhn single-handedly turned our eyes back to history of science, and the semantic approach replaced the methodological framework for philosophers of science. The Logical Positivist revolution had just about reached age 50 at the time; today the semantic approach is about 50 years old as well. Van Fraassen will discuss its development, fortunes and misfortunes, respond to critique, but also suggest that a new, third revolution is due, and invite speculation about what it might be.

For further information, please contact Patty Jones, patty.jones@uci.edu or 949-824-1520.

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