Love & Philosophy #39: The Real World and its Many Models with philosopher Michela Massimi
Nov 21, 2024
Michela Massimi, a philosopher known for her work on perspectival realism, dives deep into the philosophical intersections of science and literature. She discusses how different perspectives in scientific inquiry can coexist, avoiding relativism. Massimi reflects on her journey from physics to philosophy and emphasizes the importance of diverse models in understanding reality. The conversation also highlights the influence of literary giants like Calvino and Borges, illustrating how their insights shape our epistemological frameworks. A thought-provoking exploration of knowledge!
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Early Philosophy
- Michela Massimi was introduced to philosophy in her Italian high school through Plato's theory of knowledge.
- She further explored philosophy independently, reading Plato's dialogues and works by Pascal.
Balancing Science and Philosophy
- Massimi balanced her passion for philosophy with an interest in science, reading popular science books on physics and cosmology.
- While pursuing a philosophy degree, she audited physics classes, furthering her interest in the intersection of the two fields.
Uncredited Physics Pursuit
- Massimi audited physics classes despite not receiving credit, highlighting her dedication to the subject.
- She recalls researching in the physics department's dusty basement, accessing the Bohr-Einstein documents.
