Rationally Speaking #69 - James Ladyman on Metaphysics
Sep 9, 2012
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In this thought-provoking conversation, James Ladyman, a philosopher from the University of Bristol, argues for a radical rethinking of metaphysics and its crucial role in connecting scientific disciplines. He critiques current scientific paradigms and explores deep questions about reality, space, and causality. Ladyman discusses the limitations of traditional views on knowledge and observation, while advocating for a more dynamic understanding of determinism and emergence. His insights challenge listeners to reconsider what we know about the universe.
Metaphysics plays a crucial role in contextualizing scientific theories and addressing questions that arise across various scientific domains.
The complexity of individuality in science highlights its relative and scale-dependent nature, necessitating context for accurate evaluation of what constitutes an individual.
Deep dives
The Role of Metaphysics in Science
Metaphysics is defined as the attempt to unify the sciences and make sense of the world in light of all scientific knowledge. Contrary to the belief of some scientists that metaphysics has no relevance, it plays a significant role in contextualizing theories and how they interrelate. The relationship between metaphysics and science is crucial, as metaphysicians engage in projects that consider the broader implications of scientific theories. This connection underlines the misunderstanding that exists within certain scientific communities regarding the relevance of metaphysics to scientific inquiry.
Understanding Individuality in Science
The concept of individuality is complex and varies significantly across different domains of science. In biology, for instance, questions arise about whether organisms should be viewed as individual entities or collections of entities, as demonstrated by the role of gut bacteria in humans. This complexity extends to psychological and economic domains, where individual agents may be abstractions rather than concrete entities. The essence of individuality is revealed to be relative and scale-dependent, emphasizing the need for context in evaluating the notion of what constitutes an individual in various scientific contexts.
The Nature of Reality and Causation
Causation is a pivotal concept in both the special sciences and metaphysics, yet its existence at fundamental levels remains unclear. At quantum levels, the model of causation may not function in the same way it does in classical physics, raising questions about its relevance. The idea posited is that causation is an emergent property rather than an intrinsic one within fundamental physics. This perspective challenges traditional views of causation and demands a nuanced understanding of its place in both metaphysics and scientific practice.
Critiquing Traditional Metaphysical Questions
Certain metaphysical inquiries can appear detached from practical scientific engagement, particularly those focused on abstract or overly simplistic distinctions. Questions about the identity of objects or the nature of composition, such as whether a statue is identical to the marble it comprises, are deemed unproductive. The dynamic interactions that constitute the essence of objects highlight the need for more scientifically informed metaphysical discourse. Emphasizing the importance of relating questions of existence to empirical findings can lead to a more fruitful engagement of philosophy with science.
Compared to other fields of philosophy, "metaphysics" doesn't get a great rap -- it's both dauntingly obtuse and often derided as nonsense. In this episode of Rationally Speaking, Massimo and Julia chat with James Ladyman, Professor of philosophy at the University of Bristol and the author of Every Thing Must Go. The conversation covers: what is metaphysics, exactly, and where (in Ladyman's opinion) has it gone off the rails? Where does traditional science err in its classification of the "building blocks" of physics? What would a new, improved, metaphysics look like -- and what implications does that have for age-old questions like "What is causality?" and "Is the world real?"
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