Dear all,
This is a kind reminder for the next "Physics meets Philosophy" talk
(organized in cooperation with the Institute for Quantum Optics and
Quantum Information) by
Lydia Patton (Virginia Tech)
Title: Beyond the Background: Gravitational Waves and the Field
Equations (see abstract below)
Date: December 9th (Tuesday)
Time: 14:00-15:30
Location: IQOQI Seminar room (Boltzmanngasse 3, 2nd floor)
Zoom link (for those that cannot join in person):
https://univienna.zoom.us/j/67236864236?pwd=R6vIJ3Mquf5YTtsxtnlOnI5sJrMVDh.1
Abstract:
The field equations of general relativity may be characterized as
'background' equations. That conceptualization implies that the
equations are held constant in the background while independent
empirical research tests the implications that are drawn from them. In
my view, this is an inaccurate picture of how the field equations
function in gravitational wave astronomy. The equations were made
empirical in a process that involved formal, structural, and empirical
reasoning. The paper will lay out an approach that moves beyond the
'background' conception to show how the equations developed with methods
of data and waveform analysis in gravitational wave astronomy.
For more information on "Physics meets Philosophy", see
https://sites.google.com/view/physphilvienna
Best wishes
Sebastian
The Institute Vienna Circle and the Vienna Circle Society cordially invite
you to the
33rd Vienna Circle Lecture
Lydia Patton (Virginia Tech)
Testing Scientific Theories
Thursday, December 11, 2025
5 pm
Aula am Campus
University of Vienna
Hof 1, Eingang 1.11
Spitalgasse 2-4
1090 Vienna
Registration for the event in Vienna: <mailto:vcs@univie.ac.at>
vcs(a)univie.ac.at
No registration fee
Abstract
What scientists call 'post-data analysis' is often considered to be a purely
statistical process separate from theory. Data gathered from experiment is
analyzed to determine whether the experiment yields a genuine result.
Scientific theories are more often associated with earlier phases of
scientific testing, as in Popper's account based on framing bold conjectures
before setting up experiments and gathering data. This talk will motivate an
account of scientific theory testing that incorporates not just hypothesis
generation and experiment, but also post-data analysis. Theories provide
essential frameworks for post-data analysis, by setting standards for
measurement and inference, for instance. Theories are truly tested in the
post-data phase as well. I draw on insights from Hermann Cohen, Ernst
Cassirer, and Rudolf Carnap regarding the clarification and interpretation
of scientific theories in the context of the 'fact of science'. Moving
beyond these accounts, I argue that evaluating theories in the context of
existing results is crucial not just to interpreting theories, but to
testing them as well. Drawing on Adam Koberinski's account of generalized
frameworks in physics, I develop an account of theory testing that
incorporates post-data analysis. The perhaps surprising consequence is that,
under the right conditions, one can test a theory even with old results.
Short Bio
Lydia Patton is Professor of Philosophy at Virginia Tech. Patton's research
focuses on the development of scientific theories, methods, and practices,
and has appeared in venues including The Monist, Synthese, Kant-Studien,
Historia Mathematica, and Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern
Physics. Patton has served as Editor in Chief of HOPOS and currently edits
two book series. In 2022 she was John N. Findlay Visiting Professor at
Boston University.
As part of the conference
The Form of Science - Philosophy of Science in neo-Kantianism
December 10-12, 2025
University of Vienna - Main Building
Organized by:
Georg Schiemer and Moritz Bodner (University of Vienna, ERC Project: "The
Formal Turn - The Emergence of Formalism in Twentieth-Century Thought")
https://formalism.phl.univie.ac.at/events/international-conference-the-form-
of-science/
Dear colleagues, dear philosophers of technology,
We would like to invite you to a half-day workshop on *"Contingencies
and Confusions: Conceptual Problems in AI Ethics"* that will take place
at the Department of Philosophy, room *3A* (3rd floor, Neues
Institutsgebäude) on *December 15, 9:00-13:00.*
Speakers:
- Arzu Formánek (IFF, University of Stuttgart): "Intelligence, a Concept
in Crisis: What it is, where it Misleads, and how to Rebuild it"
- Pia-Zoe Hahne (University of Applied Sciences BFI Vienna): "'Trust the
Machine?': Conceptualising Trust in the Age of Generative Artificial
Intelligence"
- Anna Puzio (University of Bern): "Artificial Life? Rethinking the
Boundaries between Human and Non-Human, Life and Non-Life"
- Friderike Spang (Czech Academy of Sciences): "Non-Anthropocentric AI?
Possibilities and Risks for Representing Non-Human Animals"
We appreciate advance registration.
Best regards,
Leonie Bossert & Leonie Möck
--
Leonie Möck, University Assistant (Prae Doc)
Philosophy of Media and Technology
University of Vienna
Universitätsstraße 7 (NIG), 1010 Vienna
leonie.moeck(a)univie.ac.at
Dear all,
Besides the 33rd Vienna Circle Lecture, Prof Lydia Patton (Virginia
Tech) will also give the next "Physics meets Philosophy" talk, to which
you are hereby cordially invited.
Title: Beyond the Background: Gravitational Waves and the Field
Equations (see abstract below)
Date: December 9th (Tuesday)
Time: 14:00-15:30
Location: IQOQI Seminar room (Boltzmanngasse 3, 2nd floor)
Zoom link (for those that cannot join in person):
https://univienna.zoom.us/j/67236864236?pwd=R6vIJ3Mquf5YTtsxtnlOnI5sJrMVDh.1
Abstract:
The field equations of general relativity may be characterized as
'background' equations. That conceptualization implies that the
equations are held constant in the background while independent
empirical research tests the implications that are drawn from them. In
my view, this is an inaccurate picture of how the field equations
function in gravitational wave astronomy. The equations were made
empirical in a process that involved formal, structural, and empirical
reasoning. The paper will lay out an approach that moves beyond the
'background' conception to show how the equations developed with methods
of data and waveform analysis in gravitational wave astronomy.
For more information on "Physics meets Philosophy", see
https://sites.google.com/view/physphilvienna
Best wishes
Sebastian
Dear all,
our next speaker in the Philosophy of Science Colloquium organized by
the Institute Vienna Circle is Jose Alejandro Fernandez Cuesta
(Complutense University of Madrid), who will give a talk on November 13,
4.45-6.15 pm.
All are welcome!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Philosophy of Science Colloquium TALK: Jose Alejandro Fernandez Cuesta
(Complutense University of Madrid)*
Quantum Propositions and Logical Monism
Philosophy of Science Colloquium
The Institute Vienna Circle holds a Philosophy of Science Colloquium
with talks by our present fellows.
*Date:* 13/11/2025
*Time:*16h45
*Venue:*New Institute Building (NIG), Universitätsstraße 7, 1010 Wien, HS 2i
*Abstract:*
In this talk, I will briefly present the formalism of standard quantum
logics (QLs) and examine /sui generis/ features that seem to set them
apart from other non‑classical logics. I will focus on their being
plausibly "discovered" and on their apparent lack of interpretative
utility in the philosophy of physics. On the usual presentation, QLs are
introduced via a set of experimental propositions ("physical
qualities"), informally specified in natural language as a response to
these peculiarities; this apparatus has been used to draw a tenuous link
between the semantics of QLs and the interpretation of certain
experimentally obtained yet conceptually problematic results in quantum
mechanics. I argue that this apparatus is philosophically relevant only
under a prior commitment to logical monism –indeed, logical monism holds
iff the experimental‑propositions apparatus is in place– and I offer
several critiques of both. Rejecting both the monist commitment and the
apparatus allows a reassessment of the sui generis properties of QLs and
their philosophical interpretation.
by Initiative to Support Women in Academic Philosophy
Dear all,
this is a cordial invitation to the December Stammtisch of UPSalon - a
Salon for Underrepresented Philosophers!
It will take place this week:
Thursday, December 4th at 20:00, Café Weingartner. [1]
At the meeting, we will exchange our experiences, discuss our future
activites, and play a round of Billiard if we feel like it!
UPSalon are a group of students, doctoral and post-doctoral researchers
at the department of philosophy; the initiative aims at creating a space
and community in Vienna where underrepresented philosophers - such as
women, trans, inter and non-binary persons, BIPOC, socioeconomically
disadvantaged people, queer people, and people with disabilities - can
connect on a regular basis.
For more information, check out our website [2]!
We are very much looking forward to meeting all of you other
underrepresented philosophers!
Do not hesitate to get in touch with any questions you may have.
Best regards,
UPSalon
Mail: upsalon.philosophy(a)univie.ac.at
Web: https://upsalon.univie.ac.at
Links:
------
[1] https://www.weingartner.co.at/
[2] https://upsalon.univie.ac.at/
Liebe alle,
ich möchte euch gerne an die Einladung zur nächsten Trans*Formations
Veranstaltung am Institut für Philosophie erinnern.
Der Workshop Trans*Modernität, Trans Kolonialität? wird am 11.12.2025
von 16:45 bis 18:45 im HS 3A, NIG (Universitätsstraße 7) von Dr. Jonah
I. Garde (UBC) gehalten.
Auf U:Cris sind derzeit alle Plätze belegt, sollte es aber noch weitere
Interessierte geben bitte ich diese, mich per E-Mail zu kontaktieren,
sodass ich ihnen die Workshop-Materialien, die vor dem Workshop zu lesen
sind, zusenden kann.
Danke auch an die Vienna Doctoral School of Philosophy [1] (VDP) für
ihre finanzielle Unterstützung!
Abstract:
Was hat trans* Geschichte mit Kolonialgeschichte zu tun und welche
kolonialen Spuren finden wir in heutigen Vorstellungen und Praktiken
rund um Geschlecht, Körper und Identität? Inwiefern ist die
Pathologisierung von trans* Körpern ein Produkt der Moderne und was
bedeutete es, diese Fragen im österreichischen Kontext zu stellen?
Vor dem Hintergrund der kürzlich erschienen Monographie _Trans*
Geschichten der Moderne_ (transcript, 2025), werden Teilnehmer_innen
zwei kurze Texte lesen, die sich mit den verwobenen Geschichten von
Geschlecht, (Siedlungs-)Kolonialismus und Moderne beschäftigen.
Gemeinsam werden wir diskutieren, was die Anerkennung dieser
Verflechtungen für trans Aktivismen und Politiken in der Gegenwart und
in unserem jeweiligen Kontext bedeutet.
Bio:
Dr. Jonah I. Garde ist Banting Postdoctoral Fellow am Department for
Central, Eastern, and Northern European Studies an der University of
British Columbia. Garde promovierte 2023 an der Universität Bern im Fach
Gender Studies und forscht an der Schnittstelle von Trans Studies,
Cultural Studies, Geschichte, Erinnerungspolitik und Affekten.
Der Workshop richtet sich an Studierende und Lehrende unabhängig ihres
vorherigen Erfahrungsstandes und wird auf Deutsch stattfinden. Vor dem
Workshop werden die im Abstract genannten Texte an die Teilnehmer*innen
ausgeschickt.
Anmeldung über u:rise unter diesem LINK [2].
Für Snacks und Getränke wird gesorgt!
Anbei findet sich auch ein Poster für die Veranstaltung, wir freuen uns,
wenn dieses sowie die Einladung an andere Interessierte weitergeleitet
wird!
Am 3.12. 2025 wird Jonah I. Garde außerdem um 18:30 im QWien [3], Wiens
queerem Kulturzentrum, das Buch _Trans* Geschichten der Moderne_
(transcript, 2025) präsentieren, auch hierzu eine herzliche Einladung
[4]!
Mit lieben Grüßen,
Flora Löffelmann im Namen des Organisationsteams
--
Flora Löffelmann, MA MA
Stipendiat:in der Literar Mechana
Department of Philosophy
University of Vienna
Pronouns: they/them (for more info see:
https://www.mypronouns.org/what-and-why/)
Happy about a gender neutral "hello"!
Links:
------
[1] https://vd-philosophy.univie.ac.at/
[2]
https://urise.univie.ac.at/mod/booking/optionview.php?optionid=1755&cmi…
[3] https://www.qwien.at/
[4] https://www.qwien.at/veranstaltungen/transgeschichten-jonah-i-garde/
Liebe Kolleg*innen, liebe Lehrende der Philosophie,
wir laden Sie zum Workshop „Klassismuskritik in der Philosophie(lehre)“
am 20. Jänner 2026, 15-18 Uhr in 3A (NIG) ein, der sich vor allem an
alle Lehrende der akademischen Philosophie richtet.
Wie lässt sich kritisches Denken und Handeln in einem Raum fördern, der
nur begrenzt selbstkritisch ist? Und wie lässt sich machtkritisches
Denken und Handeln fördern, wenn die Universität selbst von
Machtverhältnissen geprägt ist, an deren Reproduktion wir als Lehrende
und Wissenschaftler*innen beteiligt sind?
Im Mittelpunkt dieses Workshops stehen die Auseinandersetzung mit
Klassismus in der Philosophie(lehre), die Reflexion eigener
Lehrpraktiken unter machtkritischer Perspektive sowie die gemeinsame
Entwicklung klassismuskritischer Ansätze für Lehre und Lernräume
(Workshopbeschreibung angehängt).
Workshopleitung:
Dr. Lisa Scheer (Zentrum für Lehrkompetenz, Universität Graz)
Eine Vorbereitung ist nicht erforderlich. Anmeldung bitte über diesen
Link
<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe69hi_Gi3ulm8-mtn-L0Twgxc1TMd36GS…>.
Wir freuen uns auf einen anregenden Austausch!
Irene Salzmann & Leonie Möck
organisiert im Rahmen von UPsalon & mit Unterstützung der VDP
***********
Dear colleagues, dear philosophy teachers,
We invite you to participate in the upcoming workshop “Classism in
(Teaching) Philosophy” on January 20 2026, 3-6 PM, room 3A (NIG), which is
open to all teachers of academic Philosophy.
How can critical thinking and practice be promoted in a place that is
only self-critical to a limited extent? And how can power-critical
thinking and practice be promoted when the university itself is
characterized by power relations which we as teachers and academics
reproduce too?
Key themes of the workshop include reflecting on class-based exclusion
and privilege in philosophy, developing strategies for class-critical
teaching, exploring the boundaries and possibilities of academic freedom
and institutional constraints (full description of workshop attached).
Workshop facilitator:
Dr. Lisa Scheer (Competence Center for University Teaching, University
of Graz )
No prior preparation is required. Please register using the following
link
<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe69hi_Gi3ulm8-mtn-L0Twgxc1TMd36GS…>.
We look forward to your participation and to engaging discussions!
Irene Salzmann & Leonie Möck
organized with UPsalon & supported by the VDP
--
Leonie Möck, University Assistant (Prae Doc)
Philosophy of Media and Technology
University of Vienna
Universitätsstraße 7 (NIG), 1010 Vienna
leonie.moeck(a)univie.ac.at