Algorithms and Complexity in Mathematics, Epistemology and Science

[Re-posted from https://acmes.org/] Algorithms and Complexity in Mathematics, Epistemology and Science6-8 May 2015, London, Ontario, Canada.ACMES is a multidisciplinary conference that focuses on a combination of the science of reliability and uncertainty quantification with conceptual and foundational issues concerning reliability in the application of scientific theories to real phenomena. The conference integrates longer talks from six [...]

2016-01-29T11:54:22-05:00January 27th, 2015|Events|

Gavin Schmidt: Practical Philosophies of Climate Modeling

http://youtu.be/WfwgaMHmLkU Practical Philosophies of Climate Modeling Gavin Schmidt (National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS))   Abstract: I give an overview of the practice of developing and using complex climate models, as seen from experiences in a major US center for climate sci - ence and through participation in the [...]

2015-01-26T19:07:55-05:00January 26th, 2015|2014 Conference, Climate Change|

Paul Edwards: Knowledge Infrastructures and Climate Change Science

Knowledge Infrastructures and Climate Change Science  Paul Edwards (University of Michigan, Department of History and School ofInformation) Abstract: Climate modeling developed in a series of distinct stages. In the1950s and 1960s, the earliest computer models were built as a “craft” activity by individuals or small groups. By the 1970s, modeling had become a laboratory activity, with larger [...]

2015-01-22T15:30:54-05:00January 22nd, 2015|2014 Conference, Climate Change|

New Video Posted: Robert Lempert – Democratizing Analytics: Scientifically and Ethically Informed Decision Support for Addressing Wicked Problems

 Democratizing Analytics: Scientifically and Ethically Informed Decision Support for Addressing Wicked ProblemsRobert Lempert (Pardee RAND Graduate School, Frederick S. Pardee Center for Longer Range Global Policy and the Future Human Condition)Abstract: Responding to climate change requires both quantitative analysis and ethical reasoning. Ethical reasoning is required because climate change will af - fect many people [...]

2015-01-22T15:23:52-05:00January 22nd, 2015|2014 Conference, Climate Change|

New Video Posted: Eric Winsberg – Missing the Forest for the Fish

Another video from the Climate Modelling conference has been posted on the Institute's YouTube channel. Missing the Forest for the FishEric Winsberg(The University of South Florida, Philosophy Department) Abstract: In a recent series of papers, Roman Frigg, Leonard Smith, and othershave developed a general epistemological argument designed to cast doubt onthe capacity of a broad range of [...]

2015-01-09T15:47:53-05:00January 7th, 2015|2014 Conference, Climate Change|

Announcing Einstein@Rotman 2015

One hundred years ago, in November 1915, Albert Einstein achieved his long-sought theory of gravitation: the General Theory of Relativity. In developing the General Theory, Einstein brought together ideas from philosophy, mathematics, and physics, to create a remarkable new conception of gravity, space, and time. His work is a model of the engagement between philosophy [...]

2015-02-19T15:08:49-05:00January 5th, 2015|Philosophy of Physics, Philosophy of Science, Rotman News|

New Video Posted: James Fleming – Dynamic Climatology: Historical Perspectives on Shape-Shifting Nouns

Here is the first video from the Knowledge and Models in Climate Science: Philosophical, Historical & Scientific Perspectives Conference at the  Rotman Institute of Philosophy, Western University, October 24-26, 2014.James Fleming (Colby College, Science, Technology and Society)Abstract: I present case studies of “shape-shifting nouns” in the history of dynamic climatology and identify some overarching trends [...]

2014-12-12T11:24:18-05:00December 12th, 2014|2014 Conference|

New Video: Peter Achinstein – Who Needs Proof? James Clerk Maxwell on Scientific Method

The second lecture Peter Achinstein gave in November, 2014 is now available on our YouTube channel, and below: Abstract: Isaac Newton famously claimed that hypotheses, i.e., unproved propositions, have no place in “experimental philosophy.” Maxwell disagreed and proposed three methods that can legitmately be employed when a scientist lacks proof for a theory, or even a [...]

2016-01-29T11:54:52-05:00December 10th, 2014|Events, Philosophy of Science|

New Video: Peter Achinstein – What is a theory of everything, and why should we want one?

  Abstract: Scientists and philosophers who seek, or advocate seeking, a “theory of everything” (e.g., string theory, Thomas Nagel’s panpsychic theory, David Chalmers’ “construction of the world”) want to produce a grand, unifying theory that can explain everything on the basis of fundamental laws and constituents of the universe.  Advocates of this idea offer very general [...]

2016-01-29T11:55:19-05:00December 5th, 2014|Events, Philosophy of Science|

Postdoctoral Fellows Positions – Now Accepting Applications

Three Postdoctoral Fellowships at the Rotman Institute have now opened, and will be accepting applications until January 15, 2015. These positions provide new scholars with a unique opportunity to pursue his or her chosen areas of scholarly research in collaboration with Rotman Institute Members.The Rotman Institute of Philosophy is situated in one of Canada’s leading [...]

2016-01-29T11:55:56-05:00December 1st, 2014|Rotman News|
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