Mathematics and Analogical Reasoning (11-12 September 2020)

Idea and Motivation

The goal of this conference is to investigate the role of mathematics as a heuristic device for analogical reasoning in science and philosophy.

Questions we aim to address at the conference include (but are not limited to):

• How can a positive mathematical analogy generate support for a particular theoretical view about otherwise disconnected physical systems?

• Can we be sure that epistemic lessons from one domain carry over to another domain, given that there are always known points of disanalogy? If so, how?

• Does the fact that shared mathematical structures can generate new scientific insights have a bearing on (enhanced) indispensability arguments for mathematical realism?

• How can a mathematical analogy generate understanding of one system given our understanding of the model system?

• What is an adequate methodology for analogical reasoning about meta-empirical domains (like mathematics or ethics)?

• Are the mathematical background assumptions of recent arguments featuring mathematical analogies plausible (specifically in light of recent pluralist developments in set theory)?

 

Further Information

• Website of the conference "Mathematics and Analogical Reasoning"