EPISTEMOLOGY

The course aims at using notions and abilities gained at BA level to analyze the interaction between philosophy and scientific research. Selected research methods and topics will be examined in details.

Lectures.

The statistical methods for the definition of new variables will be reviewed and analyzed. The contribution provided by a modern concept of ontology to such a difficult definition process will be examined, in a semantic and computational context.

Logic, Language, Ontology; Objects, Events, Properties; Monism and Pluralism; Entity and Identity; Identity Criteria; Objects and Time; Vagueness; Nominalism and realism; What is Statistics? Multivariate analysis and Assignment Methods; Kinds of Statistical Variables; a General Formula for data Analysis; Fixed or Moving Targets Techniques; Transformations Groups; History of Data Analysis.

A Data Analysis (3 CFU).

Text:

- Ricolfi L., Manuale di Analisi dei Dati, Laterza, 2002, pp. 215.

B Ontology (3 CFU).

Text:

- Varzi, A., Parole, Oggetti Eventi e altri argomenti di Metafisica, Carocci, 2001, pp. 239.

Please remember that in compliance with art 171 L22.04.1941, n. 633 and its amendments, it is illegal to copy entire books or journals, only 15% of their content can be copied.

For further information on sanctions and regulations concerning photocopying please refer to the regulations on copyright (Linee Guida sulla Gestione dei Diritti d’Autore) provided by AIDRO - Associazione Italiana per i Diritti di Riproduzione delle opere dell’ingegno (the Italian Association on Copyright).

All the books listed in the programs can be consulted in the Library.