December 2025 - News - Philosophy bulletin board

Reminder: Lydia Patton, "Beyond the Background: Gravitational Waves and the Field Equations" - Physics meets Philosophy

by Sebastian Horvat

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

6 days, 3 hours

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33rd Vienna Circle Lecture | Lydia Patton | Testing Scientific Theories | December 11, Vienna

by Zarah Weiss

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/

1 week, 3 days

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Mini-Workshop: "Contingencies and Confusions: Conceptual Problems in AI Ethics", December 15, 3A

by Leonie Möck

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

1 week, 4 days

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Lydia Patton, "Beyond the Background: Gravitational Waves and the Field Equations" - Physics meets Philosophy

by Sebastian Horvat

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

1 week, 5 days

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IVC Talk: Jose Alejandro Fernandez Cuesta (Complutense University of Madrid) on "Quantum Propositions and Logical Monism", November 13, 4.45 pm

by Zarah Weiss

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.

1 week, 5 days

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UPSalon Stammtisch Meeting - December 4th, 20:00

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/

1 week, 6 days

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Erinnerung: Trans*Formations Workshop mit Jonah I. Garde

by Flora Löffelmann

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/

1 week, 6 days

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Save the date: Workshop "Klassismus in der Lehre"/"Classism in (Teaching) Philosophy", January 20, 2026, 3-6 PM

by Leonie Möck

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

1 week, 6 days

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2025

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