This series is jointly hosted by the Minnesota Center for Philosophy of Science (MCPS), the Program in History of Science and Technology, and the Program in the History of Medicine. Each semester we invite scholars from around the country and the world to present on scholarship in the history and philosophy of science, technology and medicine.
Seminars will not be held on the following date(s):
11/14/25
11/27/25
Lectures begin at 3:35pm in 216 Pillsbury Drive (formerly Nicholson Hall), Room 125 on the East Bank of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus.
At this time, all events will be in-person unless otherwise stated. Some events may be subject to change. Please check back for updates or contact hstm@umn.edu for more information.
History of Science and Technology, University of Minnesota
Title: TBA
Abstract: TBA
William Goodwin, September 19, 3:35 p.m.
Department of Philosophy, University of South Florida
Title: Kuhn’s speciation metaphor and the birth of biochemistry
Abstract: Biochemistry is an intersectional field: it, “arose by division and recombination of specialties already matured.” This means that standard Kuhnian models of discipline formation cannot be expected to apply in the case of biochemistry. Kuhn’s later account of discipline formation is by analogy to acts of evolutionary speciation, with ‘incommensurability’ playing the role of an isolating mechanism. Since ‘incommensurability’ seems to play no role in the formation of biochemistry, this paper attempts to generalize and extend Kuhn’s speciation analogy thus making a considerably more interesting and plausible general account of discipline formation and eliminating any essential appeal to ‘incommensurability’ in that account.
Victor Boantza, September 26, 3:35 p.m.
History of Science and Technology, University of Minnesota
Title: TBA
Abstract: TBA
Matthew Wisnioski, October 3, 3:35 p.m.
Science, Technology, and Society, Virginia Tech
Title: TBA
Abstract: TBA
Lukas Rieppel, October 10, 3:35 p.m.
History, Brown
Title: TBA
Abstract: TBA
Katie Plaisance, October 17, 3:35 p.m.
Departments of Knowledge Integration, Philosophy and Psychology University of Waterloo, Canada
Title: What makes philosophy-STEM collaborations successful and why do they matter? Perspectives from scientists and engineers
Abstract: Collaboration is a powerful way to exchange knowledge and generate novel ideas. In this talk, I present data from a survey of almost 200 STEM researchers—and in-depth interviews with 20 scientists and engineers—all of whom have collaborated with philosophers of science. Participants discussed the extent to which they felt their collaborations were successful, what made them successful, and the benefits their collaborations produced. Our research highlights the importance of interpersonal factors in making collaboration work and the capacity-building benefits of working across disciplines. These findings should be of interest to philosophers, STEM researchers, and anyone studying interdisciplinary collaboration.
Elizabeth Petrick, October 24, 3:35 p.m.
History, Rice University
Title: TBA
Abstract: TBA
Jasmin Özel, October 31, 3:35 p.m.
MCPS, University of Minnesota
Title: Natural kinds for psychology: A multi-level mechanistic proposal
Abstract: The homeostatic property cluster framework for natural kinds has proven useful across various scientific contexts, particularly those requiring multiple levels of explanation. In this framework, natural kinds are considered clusters of co-occurring properties sustained by underlying homeostatic mechanisms, such as biological species exhibiting shared traits (property clusters) maintained by genetic and evolutionary processes (homeostatic mechanisms). This talk discusses and develops the recent application of this framework to psychological constructs, emphasizing its capacity to integrate cognitive science, neuroscience, and neuropsychiatry explanations that inform our understanding of mental phenomena.
