Analysis: History & Metaphilosophy

The Arché Research Centre at the University of St Andrews is pleased to announce its first workshop on "Analysis: History & Metaphilosophy". 

The event is open to all and participation is free of charge. Additionally, in order to alleviate attendance costs, the Analysis Trust offers a limited number of bursaries for graduate students (bursaries cover up to 50% of the cost of accommodation and subsistence). To apply to the Analysis bursary scheme, please send a PDF document containing your CV and a short supporting statement (MAX 500 words) to [email protected] by 30 April, 23:59. 

EVENT DESCRIPTION:

The notion of analysis has played a substantial role in characterising the so-called Analytic Tradition of thought and, as a result, the discipline of philosophy as we know and practice it today. However, contrary to what this statement might suggest, isolating the tenets of the analytic method is no easy task. In effect, although it is commonly claimed that one of the hallmarks of analytic philosophers is their commitment to clarity, the very notion of analysis appears to be surrounded by an impenetrable veil of obscurity.

The term ‘analysis’ seems in fact to refer to a multitude of techniques as diverse as the theoretical tools they deploy. This terminological confusion—in itself unproblematic—is nonetheless symptomatic of a more serious state of methodological fuzziness. Can different forms of analysis yield conflicting results? If so, which results should we accept, and which should we reject?

As things stand, questions like these have not yet been fully explored. Yet, such questions are all the more relevant in a metaphilosophical landscape dominated by the emergence of new approaches to philosophical enquiry that profess to be averse to the use of analysis (Conceptual Engineering is an eminent example).

This state of affairs makes it imperative to understand what the method of analysis really is, was, and could be. The present Arché workshop aims to extensively explore this topic by bringing together distinguished scholars whose work has contributed to shedding light on the philosophical value of analysis (or lack thereof) and on the role of this methodology in the development of Analytic Philosophy.

Should you have any questions regarding the event, please do not hesitate to write to [email protected].

We look forward to seeing you there!