Latest Past Events

John Bickle: Unnoticed Features of Exploratory Experiments from the 60-Year History of the N-methyl – D-aspartate (NMDA) Receptor

Room 4190 - Western Interdisciplinary Research Building Western Interdisciplinary Research Building, Room 4190, London

Abstract: The structure, function and activities of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) now stand among neurobiology’s greatest discoveries. This history is fascinating in and of itself. It spanned more than sixty years, from initial investigations in the late-1950s into glutamate as a purported neurotransmitter, to successes less than a decade ago in finally getting X-ray-crystallographic [...]

Hasok Chang: Realism for Realistic People

Room 4190 - Western Interdisciplinary Research Building Western Interdisciplinary Research Building, Room 4190, London

Abstract: In his innovative book, "Realism for Realistic People," Hasok Chang constructs a philosophy of science for 'realistic people' interested in understanding and promoting the actual practices of inquiry in science and other knowledge-focused areas of life. Inspired by pragmatist philosophy, he reconceives the very notions of reality and truth on the basis of [...]

Foundations of Quantum Field Theory: 2023 Annual Philosophy of Physics Conference

Room 1170 - Western Interdisciplinary Research Building Western Interdisciplinary Research Building, London

This year's workshop will explore four broad philosophical issues that are specific to QFT. QFT is the theory that combines the special theory of relativity and quantum mechanics. There is consensus that the unification of these two theories necessitates the use of a mathematical framework based on fields. One issue that this raises is [...]