Robinson's Podcast 238 - Barry Loewer: What Is The Philosophy of Science?
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Dec 15, 2024 Barry Loewer, a Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Rutgers, returns to discuss the philosophy of science. He highlights the critical distinction between science and pseudoscience, exploring Karl Popper's falsification criteria. The conversation dives into the contentious nature of string theory and scientific realism, debating whether it's pseudoscience. Additionally, topics such as Marxism's philosophical impacts and the interplay between metaphysics and scientific inquiry are examined, prompting listeners to rethink the foundations of modern science.
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Metaphysics and Science
- Metaphysics can be viewed as an investigation into the nature of reality that supports successful scientific endeavors.
- Some metaphysicians prioritize intuition and history, while others focus on the requirements for science's success.
Learning from Ambrose
- Barry Loewer recounts learning from Alice Ambrose, who had personally known Wittgenstein, Russell, and Moore.
- This anecdote highlights the interconnectedness of philosophical figures.
Scientists and Metaphysics
- Scientists, often wary of philosophical discussions, tend to label disliked concepts as metaphysics.
- Barry Loewer highlights the tension between scientific inquiry and deeper philosophical questions.
