[FOM] CFA: Set Theory: Bridging Mathematics and Philosophy, July 29-31 2019, University of Konstanz, Germany

[Neil Barton]

1st Call for Papers

Set Theory: Bridging Mathematics and Philosophy

July 29-31, 2019, Zukunftskolleg, University of Konstanz, Germany

2nd instalment of the Forcing Project Networking Conferences series

Website: https://fpnc2019.forcing-project.com

Organization: Carolin Antos, Neil Barton, Deborah Kant, Daniel Kuby
(University of Konstanz)

Invited Speakers

Joan Bagaria (University of Barcelona)
Mirna Džamonja (University of East Anglia)
Leon Horsten (University of Bristol)
Juliette Kennedy (University of Helsinki)
Godehard Link (MCMP, Munich)
Marianna Antonutti Marfori (MCMP, Munich)
Toby Meadows (University of California, Irvine)

Call for Papers

The project “Forcing: Conceptual Change in the Foundations of
Mathematics” (2018-2023) aims to analyse the development of modern set
theory since the introduction of the forcing technique both from a
historical and philosophical point of view. It brings together methods
and research questions from different research areas in the history
and philosophy of mathematics to investigate if and how the extensive
use of the forcing method brought about a conceptual change in set
theory; and in which ways this may influence the philosophy of set
theory and the foundations of mathematics.

The research group organises a series of Networking Conferences with
the goal of reaching out to researchers from these different areas.
The second instalment will be devoted to the topic of recent set
theory as a bridge between mathematics and philosophy and focuses on
the interaction between mathematical and philosophical arguments and
views in set theory. Set theory has long been both a mathematical
discipline and a program with foundational motivations. It seems that
this dual character makes it a natural crossway between mathematics
and philosophy, possibly more so than other mathematical disciplines.

Topics

We welcome contributions which

a) add to current discussions in the philosophy of set theory
(set-theoretic pluralism, height and width potentialism/actualism, the
universe/multiverse debate, the forcing technique, justification of
new axioms, contrasts with other foundational frameworks) by relating
philosophical and mathematical arguments to one another; by working
out the philosophical import of set-theoretic results; or by giving
set-theoretic explications of philosophical concepts;

b) question or uphold the relevance of philosophical arguments in set
theory. For example, according to Penelope Maddy's naturalism, first
philosophical arguments play no justificatory role in set theory.
Should (mathematical) naturalism be understood in Maddy's style? Are
there other forms of naturalism that are more tolerant of traditional
philosophical questions?

c) analyse the mathematical and philosophical content of the concept
"set-theoretic practice" as used in recent set-theoretic programs. For
example, do the different foundational programmes offered by the likes
of Friedman, Hamkins and Woodin constitute different set-theoretic
practices?

d) investigate how the inclusion of alternative set theories
(constructive set theory, class theories, set theories based on
non-classical logic, categorial theories of sets) impact the
philosophy of set theory.

Submissions

Abstracts of 300-500 words should be submitted in PDF (with LaTeX
source) or Word format no later than March 31, 2019, via email to
<submissions at forcing-project.com>. Notifications of acceptance will be
issued by April 15, 2019.

Financial support

As we would like to enable early career researchers (including PhD
students) to apply, we are in the process of organizing funding for
travel and accommodation for the contributed speakers. Please contact
the organizers for further information.

Conference registration

The conference is free (no conference fee) and everyone is welcome to
attend. For logistical reasons, please register by sending an email to
<registration at forcing-project.com> before July 1, 2019.

Dates

March 31, 2019: Deadline for submissions to CfP
April 15, 2019: Notification of acceptance
July 1, 2019: Conference registration deadline
July 29-31, 2019: Conference

Contact

For inquiries please send an email to the organizers
<fpnc2019 at forcing-project.com>.