In the frame of the Hungarian Science Festival 2014
"Far Seeing Science: Responsible Answers for the Future"
Debating Functions and Normalcy
- Open course meeting -
Debating Functions and Normalcy: That things (e.g. legs) have a function (e.g. to walk) is a well-known idea and implies a certain normativity: if the respective activity is not performed, the system at issue is malfunctioning. This is an issue of utmost importance not only in science (e.g. evolutionary theory), but also in disability studies or in discussions about human enhancement, etc. Yet, to understand properly what functions are (which includes the question how functions can be ascribed) is controversial among philosophers as well as activists (e.g. disability activists). In the class meeting, the contemporary state of the art will be discussed among the members of the course. For the science festival this class meeting will be open to the public. Everybody is invited to join in as an auditor.