Will the Real Science Please Stand Up?

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Thursday, November 12th, 2015
4:00 PM to 5:30 PM

Over the past century, philosophers have tried to demarcate real science from pseudo-science, clarifying its boundaries. However, in a landmark paper, Larry Laudan questions that objective itself – and whether it’s meaningful or useful. No doubt there are challenges for demarcation attempts. But, did Laudan really quash the issue? Or should we keep searching for that Holy Grail of criteria, separating science from its pretenders? Evan Westre will explore these questions and more.

A philosophy graduate of VIU, Evan Westre recently completed his MA in philosophy at UVic. His main interests include environmental philosophy, aesthetic phenomenology, and philosophy of science. Westre worked on demarcating science for his MA thesis, drawn to its potential to sift the sand from the gold in an imploding age of “information,” yet cautious about its power to sift through too much. Westre currently works at the UVic Library, and, in his spare time, writes fiction and musical composition.

https://www2.viu.ca/philosophy/events.asp