Will the Real Science Please Stand Up?

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

Will the Real Science Please Stand Up? 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? VIU philosophy grad Evan Westre will explore these questions and more in a free public lecture at VIU's Nanaimo campus. Westre recently completed his Master's degree in Philosophy at the University of Victoria. 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 University of Victoria Library, and, in his spare time, writes fiction and music composition. This event is sponsored by VIU's Institute of Practical Philosophy. Everyone is welcome to attend this free public lecture.

https://www2.viu.ca/socialsciences/