Causation in Science

Causation is central to our understanding of how matter, life, minds and society works. The project seeks a better understanding of causal processes in nature, improving our theoretical understanding of causation in general while also solving problems in the sciences in light of the theory. The project will look at how causation is understood in physics, biology, psychology and the social sciences and what problems the notion of causation raises for those sciences. The primary aims of this project are: 1) to establish an interdisciplinary platform for a two-way communication and flow of theoretical insight between philosophers and scientists; 2) to cast a light on problems associated with causation in a range of four core sciences - physics, biology, psychology and the social sciences ? while at the same time making the philosophical theory more empirically informed; 3) to innovate new ways of theoretical and causal thinking in the sciences, and; 4) to disseminate new knowledge in philosophy and science in the form of international scholarly publications and in more accessible and popular media form. This collaborative and interdisciplinary project brings together academics from a range of backgrounds to consider the theoretical foundation of causation in relation to their own specialisms. Under the overall direction of Project Manager Rani Lill Anjum will be a group that includes Professors Stephen Mumford (Nottingham) and John Dupré (Exeter), two of the world's most respected and innovative thinkers in their fields, and a host of other Norwegian, European and North American philosophers of science and scientists. A large national and international network of senior and junior academics is already established from a wide range of research fields and institutions. The disparate interests of the collaborators are united in their view that a correct understanding of causation is key to solving their problems. These project collaborators will be visiting UMB for workshops and conferences, but also as guest lecturers at the monthly Philosophy of Science colloquium. The project included the philosophers already working at UMB: Associate Professor Terje Kvilhaug, Professor Frode Kjosavik and Associate Professor Anita Leirfall. Two PhD-students will also be recruited. Institutional partners are SVT ? Centre for the Study of the Sciences and the Humanities (Bergen), represented by Professor Roger Strand, and School of Humanities, University of Nottingham, represented by Professor Stephen Mumford.