“Why Pan Pancomputationalism?”

Abstract: Pancomputationalism is the view that every system in nature (e.g. brains, digestive tracts, rocks, buckets of water, etc.) can be understood as computing or running a program, effectively making everything in nature a kind of computer. In response, an increasing number of philosophers have argued that while we can create a computation model or description of virtually any physical system in nature, only some systems in nature metaphysically compute or run programs. In this talk I argue that such a view is false, and not supported by computer science, or our explanatory practices in the sciences.  In other words, I argue that we have compelling reasons to think that everything really does compute. And that this does not result in any sort of reduction ad absurdum.

Bio: Eric Hochstein is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Victoria and a Western Research Chair Visiting Fellow with the Rotman Institute of Philosophy.  He specializes in Philosophy of Science, Philosophy of Neuroscience, Philosophy of Psychology, and Philosophy of Mind.  Eric’s research focuses on the different ways in which we model complex systems in science, and how these various models relate and contribute to scientific explanation.

Attendance is free, no RSVP is required. Light refreshments will be served.