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Fifth Annual Thomistic Philosophy and Natural Science Symposium


Fifth Annual Thomistic Philosophy and Natural Science Symposium:

Uncertainty, Confidence, and Truth in the Sciences
July 12-16, 2023 | Dominican House of Studies, Washington, DC

Are there questions that science can answer with certainty? Practicing scientists have developed technical tools for quantifying the confidence they have in their results, as well as implicit habits for distinguishing “established” science from developments still under debate. These developments give scientists confidence in their work, but it has proven difficult to consistently communicate the subtleties of their confidence to non-experts. In addition, as scientists often focus on cutting-edge and disputed topics, they are less reflective about the confidence and certainty they have in more foundational scientific claims, for instance: the existence of electrons, DNA, or cells. Philosophers of science have engaged in a wide-ranging debate on the nature of scientific claims and whether they can attain real certainty and truth, but this conversation is often foreign to practicing scientists.

This conference investigates the issues of uncertainty, confidence, and truth in various scientific disciplines and in the philosophy of science. In particular, we will investigate whether classical Aristotelian and Thomistic notions such as demonstration and necessity, as applied to the natural world, can contribute to the contemporary conversation about truth and certainty in the sciences.

Featuring:

Dr. Daniel DeHaan (Oxford University)

Prof. Brian Carl (University of St. Thomas, Houston)

Fr. Ambrose Little, O.P. (Dominican House of Studies)

Dr. Connemara Doran (NAS-NRC)

Dr. Steve Mrenna (Fermilab)

Prof. Serena Kim (University of Arizona)

Prof. Lori Watson (Earlham College)

Prof. Dan Kuelber (Franciscan University of Steubenville)

Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. (Dominican House of Studies)

Fr. Thomas Davenport, O.P. (Angelicum)

Cost, Location, and Accommodation:

All registration costs, food, lodging and activities are covered by the Thomistic Institute.

This year’s symposium will once again be held in Washington, D.C. Attendees will stay at Theological College, 401 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20017, adjacent to the Dominican House of Studies. Lectures and meals will all be on site. Opportunities for Mass, Adoration, and Liturgy of the Hours will be available with the Dominican Friars.

Applications are due by March 31.

Applications will continue to be accepted from members of the Society of Catholic Scientists until April 15.

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What is Heaven Like?