Robert Simpson (Monash): A Third Concept of Intrinsic Valuation
Other
In this paper I describe and defend a type of valuing stance that I call ‘constructive intrinsic valuation’, in instances of which it is appropriate to intrinsically value some thing, x, despite the fact that x’s value to the valuer is, ultimately, merely extrinsic. I characterise this kind of…
Holger Thiel (CEU): Towards Relational Neutral Monism
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In my talk I motivate and explore steps towards a position I label Relational Neutral Monism (RNM). Based on monism, RNM involves the claim that fundamental reality is all of one kind. From neutral monism, the position holds that fundamental reality stays neutral with respect to the mental and the…
Katherine Dunlop (University of Texas, Austin): Arithmetic and Geometry in Poincaré’s 'Science and Hypothesis'
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It is usually supposed that Poincaré’s Science and Hypothesis contains a unified view of mathematics and physical science. But its defense of a role for intuition in arithmetic does not fit well with the conventionalism Poincaré advocates elsewhere in the book. After bringing out the…
Sahotra Sarkar (Texas) : Whither Reduction?
Other
The broadly hierarchical material structure of the universe invites the reductionist question whether, at every level of the hierarcy, laws and regularities at lower levels can explain those at higher levels. This question has not been systematically asked using a Nagelian model of reduction. This…
Christian Barry (ANU): Contribution-Based Responsibilities and Uncertainty
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Many affirm that individuals have relatively stringent responsibilities not to contribute to harming innocent people and also to address harms to innocents to which they have contributed. But how should those that are committed to these claims conceive of their reasons for action when they find…