0. Wayne Myrvold: Opening Remarks from Conceptions of Empirical Success Conference

Rotman Institute of Philosophy
25 Jun 201504:39
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe transcript celebrates Bill Harvard's 40th anniversary at the University of Western Ontario's Department of Philosophy and his last year of official teaching. Known for his contributions to decision theory, probability theory, and methodology, Harvard's historical work on Newton is highlighted, particularly his upcoming book from Oxford University Press. The conference aims to bridge historians and philosophers of science, exploring the methodological insights gained from studying Newton's scientific practices.

Takeaways
  • 🎉 The event is a celebration of Bill Harvard's 40th anniversary as a member of the Department of Philosophy at the University of Western Ontario.
  • 👨‍🏫 Bill Harvard is known for his work in decision theory, probability theory, and methodology, as well as for his historical research.
  • 📚 Bill's historical work, particularly on Newton, is aimed at extracting methodological lessons from Newton's scientific practices.
  • 🔍 Bill's study of Newton is seen as a way to understand what it means to be a good scientist and to draw insights for contemporary scientific methodology.
  • 📖 Bill has a forthcoming book from Oxford University Press, which is in its final stages and has been anticipated for a long time.
  • 🤝 The conference aims to bridge the gap between historians and philosophers of science, with the hope that their discussions will be mutually enlightening.
  • 🧐 The historians involved are described as philosophically-minded, indicating a deep engagement with philosophical issues within their historical research.
  • 🗓️ Panel discussions are scheduled at the end of each day to further explore topics and address any lingering questions from the audience.
  • 💌 Howard Stein and Abner Shimony, who could not attend due to health reasons, sent messages of affection, respect, and gratitude to Bill Harvard.
  • 📝 Howard Stein expressed his deep gratitude for Bill's contributions to the philosophy and history of science and for their friendship.
  • 📜 Abner Shimony contributed a philosophical poem to be read, adding a creative and reflective element to the celebration of Bill's work and career.
Q & A

  • What is the occasion being celebrated in the transcript?

    -The occasion is the 40th anniversary of Bill Harvard's membership in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Western Ontario and his last year of official teaching duties.

  • What are the two main areas of work that Bill Harvard is best known for?

    -Bill Harvard is best known for his work in decision theory and probability theory, as well as methodology.

  • What is the historical work that Bill Harvard is particularly noted for?

    -Bill Harvard is particularly noted for his historical work on Newton.

  • What is the status of Bill Harvard's forthcoming book from Oxford University Press?

    -The forthcoming book is in its final stages and is with the publisher.

  • What is the purpose of Bill Harvard's historical study of Newton?

    -Bill Harvard studies Newton to draw methodological lessons on what it means to be a good scientist.

  • What is the composition of the group of speakers at the conference?

    -The group of speakers consists of historians and philosophers of science.

  • How are the historians participating in the conference described?

    -The historians participating in the conference are described as philosophically-minded.

  • What is the purpose of the panel discussions scheduled at the end of each day?

    -The purpose of the panel discussions is to provide a discussion period for questions that may not have been answered during the conference.

  • Who are the two individuals mentioned as unable to attend the conference due to health reasons?

    -Howard Stein and Avenger Timoni are the two individuals mentioned as unable to attend the conference.

  • What did Howard Stein send to be read at the conference?

    -Howard Stein sent a few sentences expressing his affection, respect, and gratitude, which were to be read at the conference.

  • What did Avenger Timoni send to be read at the conference?

    -Avenger Timoni sent a philosophical poem to be read at the conference.

Outlines
00:00
🎉 Celebrating Bill Harvard's 40th Anniversary and Upcoming Retirement

The script begins by acknowledging a celebration for Bill Harvard's 40-year tenure at the University of Western Ontario's Department of Philosophy. It highlights the end of his official teaching duties but emphasizes that retirement is not an accurate term as he will continue to be active in his field. The speaker also mentions Harvard's renowned work in decision theory, probability theory, and methodology, with a particular focus on historical research related to Newton. The anticipation of Harvard's forthcoming book from Oxford University Press is expressed, which is in its final stages and has been a topic of interest for many years. The script also discusses the intention behind organizing a conference with historians and philosophers of science, aiming to bridge the gap between these two groups and foster a deeper understanding of scientific methodology through historical study.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Bill Harvard
Bill Harvard is the person being celebrated in the video for his 40th anniversary as a member of the Department of Philosophy at the University of Western Ontario. The celebration marks his retirement from official teaching duties, although he will continue to be active in his work.
💡Department of Philosophy
The Department of Philosophy at the University of Western Ontario, where Bill Harvard has been a member for 40 years. This department is the backdrop for the celebration and the context in which Bill has made significant contributions to philosophy.
💡Retirement
Retirement refers to Bill Harvard stepping down from his official teaching duties. However, it is emphasized that he will remain active in his work, indicating that his contributions to philosophy will continue beyond his formal role.
💡Decision theory
Decision theory is one of Bill Harvard's areas of expertise. It involves the study of the principles and models used in making decisions, often under conditions of uncertainty. This field is significant in understanding how rational decisions are made.
💡Probability theory
Probability theory is another area of Bill Harvard's work. It deals with the mathematical study of random phenomena and the likelihood of different outcomes. This theory is crucial in many scientific disciplines, including philosophy, for understanding and modeling uncertainty.
💡Methodology
Methodology refers to the systematic principles and procedures used in scientific and philosophical research. Bill Harvard's work in this area includes examining the methods used in decision theory and probability theory, as well as historical analysis.
💡Historical work
Historical work involves the study of past events and figures to draw lessons and insights. Bill Harvard is noted for his historical work on figures like Newton, using these studies to derive methodological lessons for modern science and philosophy.
💡Newton
Newton refers to Sir Isaac Newton, a central figure in Bill Harvard's historical studies. Harvard examines Newton's work to understand better the principles of good scientific practice, drawing methodological lessons from Newton's approach to science.
💡Oxford University Press
Oxford University Press is the publisher of Bill Harvard's forthcoming book on Newton. The reference to the book being in its final stages highlights an important upcoming contribution to the field of philosophy and history of science.
💡Philosophers of science
Philosophers of science are scholars who study the philosophical foundations, methods, and implications of science. The video mentions a group of such philosophers attending the conference, underscoring the interdisciplinary nature of the event and its focus on methodological discussions.
Highlights

Celebration of Bill Harvard's 40th anniversary in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Western Ontario.

Bill Harvard's last official year of teaching duties but not retiring from his work.

Bill Harvard is renowned for his contributions in decision theory, probability theory, and methodology.

Bill Harvard's historical work, particularly on Newton, is of significant importance.

Upcoming book from Oxford University Press on Newton's methodology.

Attention to historical accuracy in studying Newton's work.

Studying Newton to draw methodological lessons for good scientific practice.

Conference aims to bridge historians and philosophers of science for mutual enlightenment.

Inclusion of philosophically-minded historians in the conference.

Panel discussions scheduled to foster deeper insights and address unanswered questions.

Introduction of the first speaker, Wayne Report.

Howard Stein and Avenger Timoni's regrets for not being able to attend and their messages of affection and respect.

Howard Stein's statement of gratitude for Bill's work and friendship.

Abner Timoni's philosophical poem to be read at the end of the conference.

Closing remarks to be given by someone at the end of the conference.

Reflection on the theme of aging and decay in the context of the conference.

Transcripts

Browse More Related Video

8. Alan Hájek: The Extremely Improbable

Astronomy Documentary 2017 HD - Brilliant Minds, Galileo Galilei, Isaac Newton

Newton's Laws of Motion | Learn about Sir Isaac Newton for Kids

Sir Isaac Newton: Unhappy Scientific Genius | Full Documentary | Biography

Newton Medal winner (2010): Edward Witten

Isaac Newton: His life and Work - Simon Schaffer 1983

Rate This

5.0 / 5 (0 votes)

Thanks for rating:

Related Tags
Bill HarvardPhilosophyUniversity of Western Ontario40th AnniversaryRetirementDecision TheoryHistorical ResearchIsaac NewtonMethodologyConference