Several cosmological observations over the last few decades revealed the presence of anomalies that can only be explained either by positing the existence of dark matter or by modifying standard gravitational dynamics. Nonetheless, while modified gravity theories have achieved considerable predictive success at galactic scales, the dark matter hypothesis incorporated into the ΛCDM model, continues to define the consensus in the field.
"The Epistemology of Dark Matter and Modified Gravity" is a two-day workshop dedicated to exploring the philosophical implications of these competing hypotheses. The workshop will bring together philosophers and physicists to discuss the ontological and epistemological implications of dark matter theory in cosmology.
Key Themes:
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Ontological and Epistemological Questions:
- What do dark matter and modified gravity imply about the ontology of the universe?
- How do these phenomena challenge our understanding of scientific realism, anti-realism, or instrumentalism?
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Scientific Methodology:
- How do we decide between competing theories and competing models of dark matter?
- What roles do prediction, explanation, and empirical adequacy play in theory choice?
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Interdisciplinary Perspectives:
- Insights from history and philosophy of science on theory change and paradigm shifts.
- The role of computational and observational tools in shaping theoretical landscapes.
Speakers:
- Chris Smeenk - Western University
- Olga Mena - University of Valencia
- Manos Saridakis - National Observatory of Athens
- Siska De Baerdemaeker - Stockholm University
- Simon Allzén - University of Amesterdam
- Antonis Antoniou - University of Athens
- more TBA...
Call for abstracts:
We invite researchers, scholars, and practitioners from philosophy, physics, cosmology, and related fields to submit abstracts dedicated to exploring the philosophical dimensions of dark matter and modified gravity. The abstracts should be suitable for a 45-minute talk to be delivered in person.
Submission Guidelines:
- Abstract Length: 400-500 words.
- Submission Deadline: 09 March 2025 (23:59 GMT+2)
- Notification of Acceptance: 17 March 2025
Please note that the number of available slots for contributing talks is limited.
The event is organized as part of the Horizon Europe project ANDROMEDA and is funded by the European Union.
