6th Epistemology Day
Positivisms
May 30 and 31, 2017
After examining the relationship between epistemology and pedagogy (2014), models (2015), and complexity (2016), this sixth Epistemology Symposium will focus on the various forms of positivism.
The links between the sciences and positivism are evident. “Positivism” emerged in the 19th century, at a time when there was a drive to rationalize all areas of society based on scientific knowledge, including fields that had previously eluded its influence, such as the realm of values. It seems useful to recall here the periodization that Auguste Comte, the founder and emblematic figure of positivism, established in the history of thought: following the religious age, which was succeeded by the metaphysical age, the philosopher announced in the 19th century the advent of the positive age, which humanity had finally reached by substituting science—as a means of understanding the world—for all other modes of explanation and representation. This is the age, according to Auguste Comte, in which man is interested in the “how” rather than the “why” of phenomena, as if philosophical wonder were to give way to scientific wonder.
It is reasonable to assume that this “dawn of the age of science” is viewed differently depending on whether one is a philosopher, sociologist, lawyer, historian, mathematician, physicist, biologist, or economist. Auguste Comte’s positivism is not that of Léon Duguit, nor that of Hans Kelsen, nor even that of Ernst Mach or the Vienna Circle. In this session, we will attempt to shed light on the points of divergence and convergence among the various forms of positivism. Among these different traditions, a point of convergence lies in a shared monistic conception of the world: while the “behind-worlds”—those in search of which humans are led to ask metaphysical questions—should no longer arouse the scientist’s interest, the scientific gaze must focus solely on a single world, the one that can be experienced. Science resolves enigmas devoid of any transcendence and dispels wonder by explaining the unfolding of phenomena; it does not provide an answer to the question of what their inner essence is. Nevertheless, it is likely that the various forms of positivism draw diverse ethical and philosophical conclusions from this stance.
The aim of this conference is to highlight the diversity of positivist approaches and to examine their legacy in today’s sciences.
The conference will actually take place over two half-days: the afternoon of May 30 and the morning of May 31. It will feature several plenary lectures, invited presentations, and a roundtable discussion on positivism in contemporary science, as well as poster presentations.
This event is open to anyone interested (researchers, faculty members, students, elementary and secondary school teachers, etc.).
