Published on
October 20, 2011 in
Events.
Title: Van Fraassen, Metaphysical Stances and the Philosophy of Biology.
Speaker: Sandy Boucher
Date, Time: 25/10/2011, 5:15pm
Location: Old Quad Common Room
Abstract: In my thesis I explore and defend of Bas van Fraassen’s metaphilosophical views, in particular his theory of philosophical stances, and apply these ideas to issues in the philosophy of biology. Part I discusses van Fraassen’s stance idea and related issues in epistemology, metaphysics, and metaphilosophy. Part II explores the possibility of interpreting a number of metaphysical and theoretical debates in evolutionary biology and the philosophy of biology in terms of the framework spelled out in part I.
Published on
October 12, 2011 in
Events.
Title: An introduction to the ethical consideration of zoos.
Speaker: Jenny Gray
Date, Time: 18/10/2011, 5:15pm
Location: Old Quad Common Room
Abstract: Few people consider the ethics of zoos as they enter the gates, children in tow. Comfortable in the belief that if zoos were wrong they would be closed, we enjoy the close interaction with magnificent creatures with little thought of the moral implications of zoo operations. Zoos reflect the often contradictory relationships that people have with animals; rejecting blatant welfare atrocities, accepting our right to use animals for our own ends and ignoring the confused and complex moral issues that are part of owning and using animals. By examining zoo operations through the lens of rights, virtue and consequential ethics, a better understanding will emerge of the duties and obligations for those who, like zoos, choose to hold and work with animals.
Published on
October 12, 2011 in
News.
The newly created Melbourne University Philosophy Community (MUPC) seeks to promote intellectual discussion and a sense of community among philosophy students.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Melbourne-University-Philosophy-Community/178992145514134