Seminar: "Axiomatic Metaphysics" (Prof. Ed Zalta, Stanford)
22.05.2024
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 | Time | Topic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture 1 | Monday, May 27 | 10:00-12:00 | Introduction |
| Lecture 2 | Tuesday, May 28 | 10:00-12:00 | An Exact Science |
| Lecture 3 | Wednesday, May 29 | 10:00-12:00 | Logical Objects |
| Lecture 4 | Friday, May 31 | 10:00-12:00 | Situations and Possible Worlds |
| Lecture 5 | Monday, June 3 | 10:00-12:00 | Routley Star and Possibilities |
| Lecture 6 | Tuesday, June 4 | 10:00-12:00 | Impossible Worlds and Leibnizian Concepts |
| Lecture 7 | Wednesday, June 5 | 10:00-12:00 | Leibnizian Modal Metaphysics |
| Lecture 8 | Thursday, June 6 | 10:00-12:00 | Fregean Senses |
| Lecture 9 | Friday, June 7 | 10:00-12:00 | Frege Numbers I |
| Lecture 10 | Monday, June 10 | 10:00-12:00 | Frege Numbers II |
| Lecture 11 | Tuesday, June 11 | 10:00-12:00 | Philosophy of Mathematics I |
| Lecture 12 | Wednesday, June 12 | 10:00-12:00 | Philosophy of Mathematics II |
Location
-
Statistic Library (Room 245, Ludwigstraße 33/II).
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]