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SCI PHI Podcast

SCI PHI Podcast

Written by: Sci Phi
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About this listen

 SCI PHI is a weekly philosophy of science podcast featuring interviews with prominent and up-and-coming philosophers of science who engage with scientists in interesting ways.
Episodes
  • Episode 101: David Thorstad

    Episode 101: David Thorstad
    Nov 26 2024
    On Episode 101, Nick chats with David Thorstad, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University, about his research at the intersection between bounded rationality and inquiry that addresses what rationality requires of bounded agents with limited cognitive abilities, normative and descriptive challenges to longtermism, the ethical view that we should give significant moral weight to positively impacting the future, and his new book, Inquiry Under Bounds, which takes as its starting point a five-point bounded rationality program inspired by recent work in cognitive science.
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    Less than 1 minute
  • Episode 100: Nick Zautra

    Episode 100: Nick Zautra
    Oct 31 2024
    In this special 100th episode, guest host Katie Plaisance interviews Nick Zautra, the host and producer of the SCI PHI Podcast, as he reflects on the journey of the podcast and insights gained from interviewing 99 philosophers of science. Nick shares his personal story—from his childhood interests to the spark that ignited his creativity and passion for combining both philosophy and science. Nick delves into what he’s learned about what it means to do good philosophy of science, exploring the methodologies and approaches that define the discipline today. Nick also reveals insightful patterns he's observed within the scientific community, personal and professional challenges faced by researchers, the human element of science, and what he envisions for the future. Timestamps: (0:00) - Introduction with Dr. Katie Plaisance (Guest Host) (1:18) - Nick’s early life and interest in science (3:39) - Educational background and career decisions: neuroscience, philosophy, and comedy writing (7:11) - Research with animal models and first experience with a philosopher of science (9:21) - Origin story of the SCI PHI Podcast (12:21) - Patterns and insights gathered after interviewing 99 philosophers of science (19:24) - Personal challenges and successes of philosophers of science (26:20) - The human element in science and why it’s so important (33:06) - Biggest surprises regarding the background and impact of philosophers of science (38:29) - Nick’s take on the two greatest challenges facing philosophy of science today (44:24) - Katie’s elevator pitch for “what is philosophy of science?” (47:18) - Are there certain types of scientists who seem to “get” philosophy of science? (51:23) - Missed opportunities for collaboration resulting from the “PR problem” (56:04) - How the podcast has shaped Nick’s research and collaborations (1:01:37) - Toward philosophy with science (1:03:34) - Looking back: what Nick would have done differently (1:06:24) - Looking back: what Nick envisions for the future
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    Less than 1 minute
  • Episode 99: Katie Plaisance

    Episode 99: Katie Plaisance
    Sep 19 2024
    On Episode 99, Nick chats with Katie Plaisance, Professor in the Department of Knowledge Integration at the University of Waterloo, about her research understanding and developing best practices for collaborating and engaging with scientists, engineers, policy-makers, and a wide range of publics to foster epistemically and ethically responsible scientific research.
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    Less than 1 minute
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