The Center for Philosophy of Science at the University of Pittsburgh invites you to join us for our Lunch Time Talk. Attend in person at 1117 Cathedral of Learning or visit our live stream on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrRp47ZMXD7NXO3a9Gyh2sg.
\n\nLTT: \; \;Jamee Elder
\n\nFriday\, October 16th @ 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm EST
\n\nTitle: \; \;The Secret Lives of Mass Gap Black Holes
\n\nAbstract:
\nRecent LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA observations indicate black holes in the &ldquo\;mass gap&rdquo\; where pair-instability supernovae prevent black hole formation. One leading explanation is hierarchical mergers: merging black holes that are themselves products of prior mergers. I examine the evidence for this proposal and draw two methodological lessons. First\, the high spins of mass-gap black holes serve as a &ldquo\;smoking gun&rdquo\; signature of merger origin. Second\, such inferences rely on narrative models which scaffold epistemic iteration as new information is incorporated. This supports an optimistic view of astrophysical methodology and its capacity to uncover even the darkest objects&rsquo\; histories.
\nThis talk will also be available live streamed on:
\nZoom at \;
\nYouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrRp47ZMXD7NXO3a9Gyh2sg.
ORGANIZER;CN=Edouard Machery: METHOD:PUBLISH END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR