New Seminar: "Axiomatic Metaphysics" (Prof. Ed Zalta, Stanford)
10.05.2014
The axiomatic theory of abstract objects will be developed and investigated, along with a precise theory of properties, relations, and propositions. Modal and higher-order versions of the theory will be applied so as to derive theorems about situations, possible worlds, impossible worlds, Platonic Forms, Leibnizian concepts, fictions, Fregean numbers, and Fregean senses. Topics and problems in modal metaphysics, philosophy of mathematics, intensional logic and philosophy of language will be discussed in an integrated philosophical environment. A comprehensive philosophy of mathematics will be developed and it will be shown how various elements of the traditional philosophies of mathematics (e.g., Platonism, structuralism, fictionalism, formalism/finitism, if-thenism, and inferentialism) are preserved. The theory will also be investigated computationally, by representing the axioms in an automated reasoning system capable of proof-discovery and not just proof-validation.
Overview
| Session | Date and Time | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Lecture 1 | Monday, June 2, 10:00 - 12:00 | Introduction |
| Lecture 2 | Wednesday, June 4, 14:00 - 16:00 | An Exact Science |
| Lecture 3 | Friday, June 6, 12:00 - 14:00 | Logical Objects |
| Lecture 4 | Tuesday, June 10, 10:00 - 12:00 | Forms and Fictions |
| Lecture 5 | Wednesday, June 11, 10:00 - 12:00 | Situations and Possible Worlds |
| Lecture 6 | Friday, June 13, 10:00 - 12:00 | Impossible Worlds and Leibnizian Concepts |
| Lecture 7 | Monday, June 16, 10:00 - 12:00 | Leibnizian Modal Metaphysics |
| Lecture 8 | Wednesday, June 18, 10:00 - 12:00 | Fregean Senses |
| Lecture 9 | Friday, June 20, 10:00 - 12:00 | Frege Numbers I |
| Lecture 10 | Monday, June 23, 10:00 - 12:00 | Frege Numbers II |
| Lecture 11 | Wednesday, June 25, 10:00 - 12:00 | Philosophy of Mathematics I |
| Lecture 12 | Friday, June 27, 12:00 - 14:00 | Philosophy of Mathematics II |
Location
- All lectures, except lectures 3 & 12, will be held in the Statistic Library (Room 245, Ludwigstraße 33/II). Lectures 3 & 12 will be held in Room E21 (ground floor, Ludwigstraße 31).
Course Assessment
- Term paper OR (presentation(s)+essay/record), according to the lecturer's specification (= BA and general MA program in philosophy);
- Alternative/equivalent forms of assessment by arrangement [9 ECTS-points]
Registration
- (LSF) pre-registration is not necessary, just attend the first lecture.