Ideal ization is ubiquitous in scientific practice, yet there\n is little consensus in the extant phi losophical literature on\n some of the most b asic questions about idealization, such as:\n What exactly constitutes idealization? Is idealiz ation\n compatible with realism? Are idealiza tion and abstraction\n distinct? Should theor ists work to eliminate idealizations as\n sci ence progresses? Are there rules governing the rat ional use\n of idealization, or should a theo rist's intuition alone guide\n the process? W e would like to see more sustained philosophical\n analysis directed at these and related quest ions. To help\n accomplish this, we will asse mble a small group of philosophers\n from div erse backgrounds for in depth discussion about the \n philosophical questions related to idealiz ation. The workshop\n will be organized to ma ximize discussion time and to ensure that\n n ovel material about idealization is given maximum time for\n discussion. We are especially inte rested to discuss the more\n epistemological aspects of idealization, with a lesser emphasis\n on the detailed case studies that have domina ted much of the\n recent literature.\n < /p>\n \n \n
For more information, see\n http://www.tilburguniversity.nl/facul ties/humanities/tilps/idealizations/\n \n
The workshop is by i nvitation only. However, a small number\n of seats is reserved for researchers who would like t o present a\n concise position paper at the w orkshop. If you are interested,\n please send an extended abstract of 1000 words by 15 August 2 007\n to idealizations2007 < span class="at">at gmail.com.\n \n