Ethics and Explanation 2013: Explanation in Mathematics and Ethics

Ethics and Explanation 2013: Explanation in Mathematics and Ethics

University of Nottingham, 18th-19th January 2013

The aim of the conference is to investigate: (i) the connections between indispensability-type arguments in mathematics and ethics; (ii) connections between evolutionary debunking-style arguments in mathematics and ethics and (iii) more generally, other connections between the two areas that touch on the issue of explanation.

Conference talks:

Andrew Aberdein & Alison Pease (Edinburgh):“An Empirical Investigation into Explanation in Mathematical Conversations”

-        Comments by James Andow (Nottingham)

Alan Baker (Swarthmore College): “Non-Optional Projects: Mathematical and Ethical”

-        Comments by Debbie Roberts (York)

Justin Clarke-Doane (Monash): “What is the Benacerraf Problem?”

-        Comments by Folke Tersman (Uppsala University)

Mark Colyvan (Sydney): “The Ins and Outs of Mathematical Explanation”

-        Comments by Michaela M. McSweeney (Princeton)

Helen De Cruz (Leuven/Oxford): "What can animal numerical cognition tell us about mathematical realism?"

-        Comments by Sorin Costreie (University of Bucharest)

Mary Leng (York): "Taking Morality Mathematically"

-        Comments by Geoffrey Ferrari (Oxford) 

David Liggins (Manchester): “Multiple Realization and Expressive Power in Mathematics and Ethics”

-        Comments by Robert Knowles (Manchester)

Hallvard Lillehammer (Cambridge): “An Assumption of Extreme Significance: Ross and Moore on Ethics and the Moral Sciences’’

-        Comments by Katerina Deligiorgi (Sussex)

Juha Saatsi (Leeds): “On Mathematics’ ‘Indispensable Explanatory Role’”

-        Comments by Stephen Mumford (Nottingham)

Additional information including programme and abstracts can be found on the conference website here: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/philosophy/research/conferences/ethics-and-explanation-2013/call-for-abstracts.aspx

To register please click here: http://store.nottingham.ac.uk/browse/extra_info.asp?compid=1&modid=2&prodid=163&deptid=9&catid=8  (a small number of student bursaries are available to cover up to 50% of the conference and accommodation fees only, offered on a first come first served basis. To apply for a student bursary please contact Dr. Neil Sinclair)

This conference is the opening event for a three-year AHRC funded project entitled “From Explanation to Ethics and Back Again” (some details here: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/philosophy/research/projects/intro.aspx/#ethics).  If you’d like to be included on the project mailing list (information on project progress and various project-related events) please email: [email protected]

This conference is supported by the AHRC, the Mind Association, and the Aristotelian Society.