Call for abstracts

CFP: Conceptual innovation in Classical Mechanics

28-30 September 2022, Sevilla

Classical mechanics is often seen from a common viewpoint as a 'stable period' of science. However, historians and philosophers of science are well aware that that is not quite the case. It is the aim of this workshop to explore what we consider as a lack of uniformity in the almost three hundred years of dominion of classical mechanics.

We aim to focus on concepts and our starting point is to consider concepts in Dewey's sense, i.e., as cognitive tools to handle the world and solve problems. As a result we aim to show the plurality of approaches present in what may be regarded as the age of classical mechanics. To do that, one may scrutinize the genesis and consolidation of the foundations of mechanics, associated reflections on philosophical topics (e.g., inertial metaphysics), but also interdisciplinary relationships and epistemic changes in the principles of mechanics.

We welcome papers proposing topics such as (but not restricted to): alternative deductions of the laws of motion, relations between mechanics and other mathematical disciplines, the role of tools and instruments in the construction of principles and laws, conceptual changes in the fundamental concepts, cognitive approaches to the creation of mechanical concepts, etc.

Proposals should be of a max. length of 500 words. Please send them to María de Paz (depaz.am@gmail.com). The call for abstracts is open until 15th June.

Acceptance will be communicated  by June 30th.

The language of the conference is English.