Philosophy of Chemistry is a field of philosophical inquiry that has had less attention than it deserves. It involves the investigation of topics that pertain to basic issues in the philosophy of science (such as explanation, reduction and laws of nature) in the context of chemical concepts, processes and theories, and also the investigation of the unique epistemological characteristics of chemistry.

Furthermore, the historical investigation of chemistry provides important insights into the philosophy of chemistry and contributes greatly to the understanding of theory change in science, as well as to the understanding of the changing relationship between chemistry and other sciences.

All these issues will be discussed in a 2-day workshop organised in the Philosophy Department at the University of Bristol. The workshop is funded by the BSPS and BIRTHA. It will be held in Cotham House (room G2) at the University of Bristol, on the 11th and 12th of May, 2016.

Confirmed Speakers

• Robin Hendry, University of Durham
• Paul Needham, Stockholm University
• Vanessa Seifert, University of Bristol
• Geoffrey Blumenthal, University of Bristol
• Bernadette Bensaude Vincent,  Université Paris 1
• Andrew Pyle, University of Bristol
• Anna Leendertz-Ford, University of Bristol

Programme

History and Philosophy of Chemistry Workshop programme (PDF, 54kB)

Funded by

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