Visiting Fellow, Peter Truran's new book "Practical Applications of the Philosophy of Science: Thinking About Research" will be published by Springer in May in their research series Springer Briefs in Philosophy.
ABSTRACT.
Drawing on his experience as a research and development scientist in the biomedical device industry, the author shows how the principles of the philosophy of science illuminate the research process. The book is structured on the concept of the inspirational text; it consists of short chapters, each of which provides an accessible discussion of an aspect of the philosophy of science. Each chapter concludes with a list of practical pointers towards the development of attitudes and skills which will benefit the student researcher.
http://www.springer.com/philosophy/epistemology+and+philosophy+of+science/book/978-3-319-00451-8
Alan is being recognized for his scholarship in philosophy of biology. His research is distinctive because it hovers at the intersection of the meta-concerns of philosophers and the pragmatic concerns of contemporary scientists. The fact that his work is published in leading scientific journals as well as in the top journals of philosophy of science is quite rare, and a significant marker of the quality and significance of his research. In addition to his outstanding research accomplishments, Alan's teaching and service contributions to the Philosophy Department and to MCPS, and his editorial work for the profession of philosophy of science are outstanding. An award ceremony honoring Alan and other CLA faculty of excellence will be held on Wednesday, April 17, 2013 in the Great Hall of Coffman Memorial Union (refreshments to follow).
The Center welcomes graduate students Rebecca Mertens and Dan Brooks from the Department of Philosophy at the University of Bielefeld, Germany and Mads Goddiksen from the Department of Physics and Astronomy - Science Studies, University of Aarhus for the Spring semester.
Jing Lin, Assoc Prof, Northeast Normal University, China will spend March 2013-February 2014 at the Center to work on her project "Construct New Models for Research-Based Teaching of Marxism Basic Principles in the Universities"
MCPS member Roger Stuewer has been awarded the 2013 Abraham Pais Prize for History of Physics, which was established by the American Physical Society and American Institute of Physics to recognize and encourage outstanding contributions to the history of physics. It consists of $10,000 and a certificate bearing the citation: "For his pioneering historical studies of the photon concept and nuclear physics, and for his leadership in bringing physicists into writing the history of physics by helping to organize and develop supporting institutions and publications." The award will be presented at the APS meeting in Denver, Colorado, April 13-16, 2013, at a special Ceremonial session.
Congratulations to Joe Martin who has won an Interdisciplinary Doctoral Fellowship Award to visit the Center for the 2012-13 academic year. Joe's faculty sponsor at the Center will be Bill Wimsatt. His PhD supervisor is Michel Janssen (HST). His project is entitled "Solid Foundations: Structuring American Solid State Physics, 1939-1993"
