Site • RSSDescription (podcaster-provided):
The mission of the Center for Philosophy of Science is to foster the development of the best, new work in philosophy of science. In so far as the flourishing of philosophy of science internationally will generate more of the best work in philosophy of science, The Center seeks to propagate an understanding of the methods and achievements of this work to a broader academic audience.Themes and summary (AI-generated based on podcaster-provided show and episode descriptions):
➤ Philosophy of science interviews • Science and values • Relativity, quantum theory, statistical physics • Einstein and philosophical foundations of physics • Cognitive science: attention, perception, introspection, schizophrenia • Philosophy of biology, medicine, epistemology • Summer program and academic eventsThis podcast is produced by the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Philosophy of Science and serves as a venue for conversations that highlight the Center’s work, as well as the research of its visiting fellows, faculty, and other guests. Across the episodes, the host—Center director Edouard Machery—interviews philosophers and scholars working in and around philosophy of science, with discussions shaped by both current research projects and the Center’s academic programming.
A recurring focus is how philosophical analysis engages with scientific theory and practice. Several conversations sit at the intersection of philosophy and specific sciences, including physics (with attention to relativity, quantum theory, and statistical physics, and to questions about Einstein’s discoveries and the philosophical foundations of these theories), cognitive science and neuroscience (through topics such as attention, perception, action, introspection, and connections to psychiatric conditions), and biology and medicine (including the history and philosophy of evolutionary biology, the epistemology of science, and themes in philosophy of medicine). The show also foregrounds broader meta-level issues about scientific reasoning, explanation, and the place of values in scientific inquiry, reflecting ongoing debates in contemporary philosophy of science.
In addition to research-centered interviews, this podcast functions as a window into the Center’s intellectual community and events. Conversations reference and contextualize conferences hosted by the Center, aimed at expanding discussions about science and values and connecting them with other areas of philosophy. The podcast also features content about academic training and mentorship, including attention to an undergraduate summer program designed to introduce students to philosophy of science and to broaden participation among students from historically underrepresented groups. Overall, listeners can expect an academically oriented interview format that combines introductions to scholars’ work with discussion of the institutional initiatives that support philosophy of science research and education.
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Conversations at the Center: Edouard Machery with David Wallace2026-Feb-06 44 minutes |
Conversations at the Center: Edouard Machery and PSP8 students2024-Jul-22 26 minutes |
Conversations at the Center with Edouard Machery and John Norton: Focus on PSP2024-Jul-02 35 minutes |
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Conversations at the Center: Edouard Machery & Wayne Wu 2024-May-31 29 minutes |
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Conversations at the Center: Edouard Machery and John Norton 2024-May-17 29 minutes |
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Conversations at the Center: Edouard Machery and Alison McConwell 2024-Apr-30 25 minutes |
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Conversations at the Center: Edouard Machery and Jacob Stegenga 2024-Apr-17 30 minutes |
Conversations at the Center: Edouard Machery & Sandra Mitchell2024-Apr-03 30 minutes |
Conversations at the Center: Edouard Machery & Arnon Levy2024-Mar-20 28 minutes |