Invited talk and discussion: The Laws of Nature
Details
This session we are very privileged to have Dr Toby Friend and Dr Samuel Kimpton-Nye philosophers in the group of Professor Tuomas Tahko at the University of Bristol leading a discussion on the laws of nature.
The concept of a 'law of nature' pervades scientific discourse, but what does it mean? In this presentation, they will give some examples from contemporary science and say a little about how the concept arose. They will then discuss some philosophical accounts of laws of nature including those occupied by so-called 'Humeans', 'Aristotelians', 'Primitivists', and 'Structuralists'. Each has particular merits and flaws. Come and find out which you think is the most plausible!
Toby and Sam will give us an overview of the options in the first half an hour, then we can discuss and debate for the rest of the session. Even if you know little on this topic or have not joined us before, you are very welcome, the debate will be informal and non-technical.
If you want to do some pre-reading before the meetup Sam has prepared some notes: http://www.samuelkimpton-nye.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Laws-Scientific.pdf
The zoom password is Philosophy.
Invited talk and discussion: The Laws of Nature