30-31 May 2008
Zuerich, Switzerland
The Philosophische Seminar University of Zurich (chair of Prof. Dr.
Hans-Johann Glock) in conjunction with the Zentrum fuer Geschichte des
Wissens (ETH Zurich) is organizing the 3. Zurich Workshop on Concepts with
the title
Concepts and Abilities (30.-31.05. 2008)
Time: Friday 30th May (14:00) to Saturday 31st May (ca. 15:30).
Location: ETH Zuerich, "Zentrum Geschichte des Wissens", Rmistr. 36, 8001
Zuerich, Switzerland (Seminarraum)
Speakers:
Maria Alvarez, University of Southampton, UK
Anthony Kenny, Oxford University, UK
Georges Rey, University of Maryland, USA
Sebastian Rödl, Universität Basel, CH
Katia Saporiti, Universität Zürich, CH
Description:
From Aristotle through Aquinas and Kant to Wittgenstein, Ryle and
Chomsky, abilities, capacities and dispositions have played a central role
in our understanding of mind and language. This goes in particular for
conceptual thought. Some contemporaries (e.g. Geach) identify concepts
with abilities. Others (e.g. Peacocke) insist that at any rate the
possession of concepts is an ability or disposition. Finally, some
outspoken representationalists like Fodor deplore even this more modest
position as a ‘pragmatist’ conspiracy which prevents philos
ophy and
cognitive science from doing justice to mental representation and
causation. The workshop will address historical and substantive aspects of
the relation between concepts, conceptual thought and abilities. Questions
to be discussed include: Can concepts be identified with abilities? If so,
can this be reconciled with the idea of that concepts as are mental
representations or components of propositions? Is concept-possession an
ability? If so, an ability for what? Should we distinguish between
abilities and dispositions? What is the connection between conceptual
capacities, mental representations and the brain?
Further information: http://www.uzh.ch/philosophie/concepts
Fee (except UZH & ETH): payable at beginning of workshop CHF 15.00
Language: English
Obligatory registration: ray@philos.uzh.ch