SSFP2025: The Syntax and Semantics of Formalisations in Philosophy

Idea and Motivation

The event aims to explore the relationship between formal methods and philosophical inquiry, focusing on the challenges, debates, and implications of formalising philosophical concepts. The key topics are:

1. The Feasibility and Challenges of Formalising Philosophy: This theme examines the adequacy of formal methods in capturing the nuances of philosophical ideas, identifying common challenges such as potential oversimplification and loss of depth, and exploring the relationships between terms and concepts within formal systems.
2. Pros and Cons of Using Formalisations in Philosophy: This topic addresses the ongoing discussion regarding the value of formal methods in philosophy, highlighting their benefits, including enhanced precision and clarity, alongside the limitations imposed by formal systems, such as the risk of diminishing the richness of philosophical discourse.
3. Conceptual Pluralism and Choosing the Right Formalisation: This theme recognises the diversity of formal methods and evaluates the criteria for selecting the most appropriate approaches for philosophical inquiry, considering the intended applications and goals of formalisation.

The conference will feature four keynote speakers. In addition, there will be eight contributed presentations, organised around the aforementioned key topics to facilitate focused discussions. The event is designed for students and researchers in philosophy, the formal sciences, and related fields. We especially encourage participation from early-career researchers and from those belonging to underrepresented groups. Overall, the conference aims to advance understanding of the impact of formal methods on philosophical inquiry, contributing to interdisciplinary dialogue and exploring the role of formalisation in philosophical research.

Speakers

• Anna Brożek (University of Warsaw)
• Georg Brun (University of Bern)
• Catarina Dutilh Novaes (VU Universtity Amsterdam)
• Sven Ove Hansson (Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm)

Program

TBA

 Organizers