Dr. Federica Russo will give a talk entitled “Mechanisms in the Sciences: A Field Guide“.
Date and Venue: 12th of June, at 15:00, Room B14 – Carlos Santamaria.
Abstract:The philosophical literature mechanisms is growing rapidly. In this seminar, I will try to offer a panoramic view of the main issues involved. In particular, I will consider (i) why mechanisms gained popularity, especially in connection with causality and explanation; (ii) the distinction between mechanistic reasoning and evidence of mechanisms; (iii) the disputed ‘Russo-Williamson Thesis’ and its consequences for monistic and pluralistic approaches to conceptual analysis; (iv) the role mechanisms play in (some) scientific contexts.