Invited author: Philosophy of Science

"Philosophical puzzles have little or no value outside how they influence our behavior in the world - though this aphorism is often forgotten by philosophers."

Brett Holverstott believes in applied philosophy. His first book, Randell Mills and the Search for Hydrino Energy, a hybrid work of science journalism and the philosophy of science, written to introduce a wide readership to a contemporary controversy in physics, while exploring the historical and philosophical dimensions of the narrative.

He will lead the Analytic Philosophy Club in a conference-style discussion of questions in the philosophy of science. Among them: What is a scientific theory? Should we accept our theories as "true" or merely "empirically adequate?" Should we believe in what we cannot directly observe? And, are we (as individuals, or as a society) well-equipped to recognize new discoveries?

As we get closer to the event, the author will post a variety of optional readings to inform the discussion. As a true conference-style session, the author does not plan on talking at you (too much), but rather encouraging you to form your own opinions. And challenging you to bring them to bear on real-world problems.

Brett Holverstott has a BA in Philosophy from Reed College. He is also an architect.

About Brett:
http://www.brettholverstott.com/author/
and his book:
http://www.brettholverstott.com/

Here is a recording of a talk given by Brett to the Seattle Skeptics. The content of this talk is quite different from the philosophical issues the Analytic Philosophy club will be discussing, but gives an overview of the scientific controversy over "hydrinos".
http://www.brettholverstott.com/annoucements/2016/9/9/recording-of-the-seattle-skeptics-talk