An Interdisciplinary Workshop held on 2015, November 13-15 at the University of Pittsburgh. The brain is the poster child for plasticity in biology. Neurons and networks constantly rebuild themselves in response to the continual and ongoing change in component ion channels and receptors that are necessary for neuronal signaling. In addition external changes drive homeostatic responses. These are way in which robust responses can be triggered. Recent modeling and experimental work have described the mechanisms, constraints, and outcomes of robust dynamics in the brain. This workshop is designed to maximize productive interaction in large and small groups among scientists and philosophers. Such engagement can “test” and refine philosophical analyses of robustness as in current scientific practice. At the same time, scientists can reflect on their practices with the tools that philosophers bring to the discussion.
SPEAKERS
Alison Barth (Department of Biology, CMU)
Emilio Bizzi (Neuroscience, MIT)
Trey Boone (History and Philosophy of Science, University of Pittsburgh)
Raffaella Campaner (Philosophy, University of Bologna)
Flavio Keller (Developmental Neuroscience, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma)
Arnon Levy (Philosophy, Hebrew University, Jerusalem)
Timothy O’Leary (Neuroscience, Brandeis)
Sandra Mitchell and Mazviita Chirimuuta (History and Philosophy of Science, Pittsburgh)
CO-ORGANIZERS
Sandra D. Mitchell, HPS, University of Pittsburgh
Mazviita Chirimuuta, HPS, University of Pittsburgh
Marta Bertolaso, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome
PHILOSOPHICAL STEERING COMMITTEE
SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE
Flavio Keller, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome
SEE ALSO
Workshop page on Pittsburgh Center for Philosophy of Science
