Postgraduate "Work In Progress" Seminar
Postgraduate Work-In-Progress SeminarA weekly seminar for Philosophy postgraduates to present their in-progress work, followed by a well-spirited trip to the pub. OverviewThe WIP provides a risk-free and supportive space for postgraduates to present their work and receive feedback from other graduates and faculty.
Attendance optional but highly recommended. All postgraduates are welcome to present or attend -- whether MA, MPhil, PhD, Visitors, etc. Useful InfoThe WIP is a unique opportunity for graduates to develop their presenting and writing skills, take risks, test out ideas, and receive constructive feedback from peers.
Presentations need not be watertight or polished pieces at all. You are encouraged to present work at all stages of the writing process. Should you present?Are you a postgraduate? Then yes, you should present. |
NEXT TALKRozemin Keshvani (PhD) Kant Thursday 25/06/2026 5pm - 6:15pm S1.50 ORGANISERS |
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Philosophy Department Colloquium: Andrew Cooper (91福利)
Title: Kant, Design and Biological Theory
Abstract:
In philosophy of biology there has been ongoing debate between proponents of adaptationism (standard neo-Darwinism) and developmentalism (鈥楨vo-Devo鈥�) for at least half a century. In the past few years, several philosophers have asked whether the two standpoints can be synthesised into a single theory. In this paper I examine the possibility of a new synthesis by noting a curious return on both sides of the debate to the account of design Kant proposed in Critique of the Power of Judgment. I suggest that each standpoint fulfils one of the two criteria Kant identifies for the investigation of organisms. I then argue that each standpoint departs from Kant鈥檚 account at some point or other. I conclude that the recent reception of Kant鈥檚 account of design suggests that a new synthesis would require a revised theoretical structure that acknowledges a plurality of investigative standpoints in biology.