Journal Website: https://link.springer.com/collections/hgegehbdde
Guest Editors: Harald A. Wiltsche (Linköping), Karen Crowther (Oslo), Richard Dawid (Stockholm) & Samuel Schindler (Aarhus)
Deadline for Submission: November 1, 2024
Description of the Topical Collection
Empirical constraints are pivotal in the development and assessment of scientific theories, with experimentation being the quintessential arbiter of science. Despite their fundamental role, experiments only became the subject of serious philosophical analysis relatively late. It was through the works of authors such as Ian Hacking, Allan Franklin, David Gooding, Hans Radder or Peter Galison that experimentation grew into a dedicated topic in its own right during the 1980s and 1990s. However, while many classical works from that period focused on traditional laboratory experiments, cutting-edge research in fields like high-energy physics, astrophysics or cosmology present distinct challenges. Experiments are not only hard to come by in these areas, but the assessment of their epistemic significance usually relies on a multi-layered embedding in wider conceptual reasoning. In addition to traditional experiments in laboratory settings, physics and cosmology also heavily rely on astrophysical observations, essentially historical data, to constrain and test their theories. More recently, analog experiments—such as fluid models of “black holes“ built in the laboratory—have emerged as potential means of confirming a theory. These experiments share an apparent similarity with simulations and material models. Lastly, we are currently witnessing an unprecedented surge in the use of artificial intelligence in the design and realization of experimental practices, with consequences that are still hard to foresee.
The aim of this topical collection is to bring the philosophy of experiment closer to these scientific realities by assembling papers that provide detailed analyses of experimental practices in the cutting-edge science. Ultimately, the goal is to explore different forms of experiment, empirical and “quasi-empirical” guides in relation to other aspects of scientific methodology.
Exemplary Topics for Submission
Experiments and AI; relations between experiments, simulations and material models; the nature of “big experiments”; relationship between data analysis and experiments; experiments and causal inference; experiments and observation
Submission Process
All papers will be subject to double-blind peer-review, following international standard practices. Each submission will be peer-reviewed by no less than two referees. To submit, register your name and email address under www.editorialmanager.com/synt. When selecting the “Submit New Manuscript” option, you will be prompted to choose an article type. Choose the topical collection “The Philosophy of Experiments” in the drop-down.
Format
Articles should be submitted in LaTex or Word format. There is no strict word limit, but papers typically do not exceed 30 pages.
For further questions or inquiries, please contact: Harald Wiltsche ([email protected])
