Two-Dimensional Semantics and the Foundations of Philosophy. This project investigates fundamental philosophical questions concerning the relation between our minds and the world and the possibility of rational inquiry. The project represents a significant advance in the theoretical understanding of a broad range of central philosophical issues and it has important implications for the nature and methods of scientific inquiry. The project will contribute to the international research profile of ....Two-Dimensional Semantics and the Foundations of Philosophy. This project investigates fundamental philosophical questions concerning the relation between our minds and the world and the possibility of rational inquiry. The project represents a significant advance in the theoretical understanding of a broad range of central philosophical issues and it has important implications for the nature and methods of scientific inquiry. The project will contribute to the international research profile of Australia, consolidating its place as a leader in this domain. Read moreRead less
Fundamental Ways the World Could Be: Challenging Metaphysical Orthodoxy. This project strengthens Australia's fine reputation in metaphysics through disseminating cutting-edge research. It will build relationships with leading researchers and bring their knowledge to Australia, fostering an intellectual environment that strengthens Australia as a destination for tertiary study and international researchers. It will offer explicit training in research skills and provide wide-ranging knowledge for ....Fundamental Ways the World Could Be: Challenging Metaphysical Orthodoxy. This project strengthens Australia's fine reputation in metaphysics through disseminating cutting-edge research. It will build relationships with leading researchers and bring their knowledge to Australia, fostering an intellectual environment that strengthens Australia as a destination for tertiary study and international researchers. It will offer explicit training in research skills and provide wide-ranging knowledge for a postgraduate student. In clarifying and answering key fundamental metaphysical questions that have wide ramifications, it will provide a sound basis and the conceptual resources for both ethicists, philosophers of science and scientists to theorise about us as agents in the world, and about the nature of our world.Read moreRead less
Logic, Abstraction and Construction. This is unashamedly a pure research project in logic. It aims to enhance our understanding of core issues in the nature of the world and how we can appropriately reason about it. Nevertheless, the techniques developed in logic inevitably find a home in applications in computer science, linguistics, mathematics and related fields. This project, in particular, will develop tools for realistically reasoning about the kinds of abstract or constructed objects on ....Logic, Abstraction and Construction. This is unashamedly a pure research project in logic. It aims to enhance our understanding of core issues in the nature of the world and how we can appropriately reason about it. Nevertheless, the techniques developed in logic inevitably find a home in applications in computer science, linguistics, mathematics and related fields. This project, in particular, will develop tools for realistically reasoning about the kinds of abstract or constructed objects one finds in mathematics, and with the vague or contradictory concepts we use in everyday discourse. In addition, the project will provide research training for postgraduate students, and it will strengthen an already internationally recognised research centre in philosophical logic.Read moreRead less
Mathematics, the science of real structure: an Australian realist philosophy of mathematics. The project will strengthen the already strong Australian philosophical tradition of realism, extending it into philosophy of mathematics. It will develop a robust alternative to the nominalism, Platonism and idealism that dominate northern-hemisphere philosophizing about mathematics, an alternative that is in tune with how mathematicians really apply mathematics. Australian philosophy will thus be stren ....Mathematics, the science of real structure: an Australian realist philosophy of mathematics. The project will strengthen the already strong Australian philosophical tradition of realism, extending it into philosophy of mathematics. It will develop a robust alternative to the nominalism, Platonism and idealism that dominate northern-hemisphere philosophizing about mathematics, an alternative that is in tune with how mathematicians really apply mathematics. Australian philosophy will thus be strengthened in general, giving it a greater attractiveness to the many overseas visitors and students who already appreciate its unique strengths. The nature of the project will also lead to closer ties and interdisciplinary work between philosophers and mathematicians.
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The Objects of Probabilities. Probabilities impact almost every aspect of our lives. Actuaries calculate probabilities of property loss due to bushfires, while climatologists warn that such probabilities will increase alarmingly. Probabilities abound in engineering, medicine, the law, the sciences and social sciences, and much philosophy. Yet we lack a proper understanding of the kinds of things that receive probabilities: the objects of probabilities. This project will provide such understandin ....The Objects of Probabilities. Probabilities impact almost every aspect of our lives. Actuaries calculate probabilities of property loss due to bushfires, while climatologists warn that such probabilities will increase alarmingly. Probabilities abound in engineering, medicine, the law, the sciences and social sciences, and much philosophy. Yet we lack a proper understanding of the kinds of things that receive probabilities: the objects of probabilities. This project will provide such understanding. It will rethink the foundations of probability and decision theory, with potential ramifications for the philosophy, science, and public policy that are based on these theories. It thus aims to strengthen Australia's research profile and international standing in these areas.Read moreRead less