Philosophy

Otávio Bueno (University of Miami) will provide a colloquium talk to the UF Philosophy Department. The talk will take place in the department library.

Title: Scientific Models and Modal Knowledge

Abstract: Are models in science a source of modal knowledge? In this talk, I examine views that posit a very close connection between scientific models and modal knowledge and justification (Fischer [2017]) and views that according to which modal knowledge should emerge from model knowledge because modality is in fact a feature of models (van Fraassen [1980] and [1989]). In contrast with these views, I argue that models convey relevant information about the modal, but they themselves are not the source of modal knowledge. Modality is an objective feature of the objects under consideration (in contrast with van Fraassen’s proposal) and modal knowledge and justification depends neither on inference to the best explanation nor on theoretical virtues more generally (in contrast with Fischer’s view). A form of empiricist modalism is then recommended.

Otávio Bueno is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Miami, and is also Chair of the Philosophy Department there. His work focuses on philosophy of science, philosophy of mathematics, and philosophy of logic. See his website for further details about his research and interests.