Scientific progress as the accumulation of scientific knowledge

Alexander James Bird (Cambridge University)

During his lecture, Alexander Bird will defend the epistemic account of scientific progress as the accumulation of scientific knowledge by arguing that it can account for many cases of scientific progress that are not accounted for by the noetic and functional accounts. There are many instances of modest contributions to progress through the addition of new scientific knowledge that does not bring with it new understanding or new exemplary practices. Alexander Bird will show examples of such cases that are to be found in the history of biology and of astronomy. Progress can be made also by knowing that some novel phenomenon, such as X‐rays, exists, even when that knowledge does not include new understanding or new methods and practices.

Registration

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