Historical epistemology and ontology

Historical epistemology and ontology involve the long-term historical examination of the fundamentals of a scientific worldview, the principles of justification, the evolution of hypothesis testing, the place and meaning of evidence. Research in this area is concerned with the historical development of notions (as well as normative dimensions) of evidence, proof, objectivity, classification, concept formation, issues of realism and anti-realism, and the meaning of scientific objects and the development of disciplines and styles of reasonings. Philosophy of science in Canada is strikingly historically informed; the philosophical and social interests of the historical actors is an important topic within history of science in Canada.

The changing norms of scientific knowledge-formation is an area of increasing interest in the social, philosophical and rhetorical study of science, technology and medicine in Canada, and Canadian scholars are amongst the leaders in the field internationally.

The cluster will combine these interests, providing new opportunities for unique inter- and trans-disciplinary research projects in, for example, the rise of evidence-based medicine, the standards of public proof of the reliability and safety of biotechnology, and the norms and ownership of scientific knowledge. Here the cluster will open up engagement with practicing scientists, as have the pioneering efforts of Social Studies of Medicine at McGill, the Philosophy of Science Research Group at Western, the Perimeter Institute at Waterloo, the Evolution Studies Group at Dalhousie or the new Pacific Institute for Theoretical Physics at UBC.

Upcoming Theme News and Events

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Past Theme News and Events

(Wed)

Oct

02

The time travelers: Alfred Russel Wallace and Peter Kropotkin Edmonton, Alberta. Oct. 2, 2013 The Edmonton node is pleased to support this lecture as part of "More than Natural Selection: A... [+]

(Thu)

Sep

26

Please join us for the first Technoscience Salon event. Event:: CLOUDS When:: Thursday, September 26, 4-6 pm Where:: Sidney Smith 2098, 100 St. George St, University of Toronto Salon Theme :: This... [+]

(Wed)

Sep

25

Approaches to the Anthropocene Join us for a conversation with Bruno Latour and Philippe Descola  Vancouver: September 25th, 2013, 5:30 PM   through   7:00 PMLocation: ... [+]

(Fri)

Sep

13

Dans le cadre des conférences du CIRST, Florian Charvolin (Centre Max Weber et Université Jean Monnet) parlera du concept de contention en matière de pollution atmosphérique en rapport à la... [+]

(Wed)

Sep

11

Dans le cadre des conférences du CIRST, Joëlle Zask (Université de Provence) traitera de John Dewey. Voici le résumé de cette communication: Le pragmatisme est une philosophie de «l'expérience».... [+]

(Fri)

Jul

12

The Animal Studies Group, in collaboration with the Royal Society of Canada, the Evolution Studies Group, and the Situating Science Strategic Knowledge Cluster, is pleased to announce two upcoming... [+]

(Fri)

Jun

07

Where is the Laboratory now? “Representation”, “Intervention” and “Realism” in 19th and 20th Century Biomedical Sciences June 7-9, 2013 Kananaskis, Biological Field Station of the University of... [+]

(Thu)

Jun

06

What's New about Translational Medicine? Dr. Steve Sturdy, Head of Science, Technology and Innovation Studies at the University of Edinburgh Th. June 6, 2013 3:30pm G500, HSC, Faculty of Medicine,... [+]

(Thu)

Apr

11

Bacon's Promise Janet Kourany, U. Notre Dame Th. April 11, 3:30pm CAB 239, U. AlbertaAt the dawn of modern science, a promise was made.  If society would but support the new enterprise, the... [+]

(Fri)

Apr

05

AFFECTIVE ECOLOGIES Presenters ::  Martina Schlünder (U of T, Max Planck Institute)                   ... [+]

(Thu)

Apr

04

Mapping the Moral Terrain of Science Heather Douglas, Waterloo Chair in Science and Society Thursday, April 4 at 3:30 pm in  Central Academic Building 239, U. Alberta.Abstract:  We have... [+]

(Mon)

Apr

01

Dr. Keller visits U. Calgary as part of her travels as the Cluster Visiting Scholar. Media and articles: The relation between feminism and science (U. Calgary Faculty of Arts) Evelyn Fox Keller... [+]

(Mon)

Apr

01

The Cluster is pleased to welcome Dr. Evelyn Fox Keller out West as Visiting Scholar for 2012-13. A physicist by training and Professor Emerita of the History and Philosophy of Science at the... [+]

(Fri)

Mar

15

From 'the People' to 'Population': a genealogy of Canadian social science Bruce Curtis, Carleton University       Fri., March 15, 2013,  2:30 to 4:00 pm. The MacMechan... [+]

(Thu)

Mar

14

Please join us for our next Technoscience Salon on ECOLOGIES Salon Theme :: Multiple imaginaries and practices gather under the term ECOLOGY. What counts as ecology, and for whom?  What is the... [+]