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Presenter: Prof. Bryson Brown (Department of Philosophy)
Title: On The Preservation of Reliability
Reasoning in science combines detailed, sophisticated and rigorous calculations with a multiplicity of models, assumptions and approximations whose status is very difficult to determine. The logical incompatibility of these models, assumptions and approximations raises questions about the nature and status of the both the premises and the conclusions of scientific reasoning.
Reasoning in science is also highly focused, seeking ways to get from assumptions to particular kinds of result(s). The initial arguments are often sketchy and intuitive, even when some steps involve explicit calculations. Following up on exploratory reasoning, approximations and pro-tem assumptions, scientists refine and generalize the initial arguments. But the logical ideal of a consequence relation specifying what follows from our premises is far removed from the give and take of scientific reasoning. Here I propose a pragmatic, preservationist understanding of scientific reasoning.
Everyone welcome.
Contact:
Bev Garnett | bev.garnett@uleth.ca | (403) 380-1894 | uleth.ca/artsci/event/78267
