Introduction to Mathematical Philosophy
Learn how to apply mathematical methods to philosophical problems and questions.Take this awesome MOOC in Coursera
https://www.coursera.org/course/mathphil
About the MOOC:
Since antiquity, philosophers have questioned the foundations–the foundations of the physical world, of our everyday experience, of our scientific knowledge, and of culture and society. In recent years, more and more young philosophers have become convinced that, in order to understand these foundations, and thus to make progress in philosophy, the use of mathematical methods is of crucial importance. This is what our course will be concerned with: mathematical philosophy, that is, philosophy done with the help of mathematical methods.
As we will try to show, one can analyze philosophical concepts much more clearly in mathematical terms, one can derive philosophical conclusions from philosophical assumptions by mathematical proof, and one can build mathematical models in which we can study philosophical problems.
So, as Leibniz would have said: even in philosophy, calculemus. Let’s calculate.
The Instructors
• Hannes Leitgeb: As a student, I could not actually decide between studying philosophy and mathematics; so I ended up doing both. If you want to know more about me and my research, please check out <http://www.mcmp.philosophie.uni-muenchen.de/people/faculty/hannes_leitgeb/index.html>; and <http://www.humboldt-foundation.de/web/1331935.html>; (you will have to scroll down a bit). Oh, and yes, thanks: my hand is much better by now.
• Stephan Hartmann: I started out as a physicist and a philosopher, and now I am formal philosopher who is doing philosophy of physics (amongst others). In case you want to know more about me and my research, please take a look at <http://stephanhartmann.org> and <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Es47321zg8>;.
• Lena Hofer: I’m the Teaching Assistant for this course. Besides that, I’m a doctoral student in philosophy at LMU Munich. I’m particularly interested in applying formal methods to topics within the realm of philosophy and philosophy of science, so I regard it as a great pleasure to take part in elaborating this fascinating course.
They are all based at the Faculty of Philosophy, Philosophy of Science and Study of Religion at LMU Munich, and there in particular at the Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy–if you want to know more about our Center, please take a look here: http://www.mcmp.philosophie.uni-muenchen.de/index.html
I’ve worked with HRDNZ for many years, and translate MCCC to Spanish, and coordinate Spanish language candidates and other Spanish speaking Moodle Partners.
I’m proud to be a PHM (Particularly Helpful Moodler) recognised by the Moodle.org community for my contributions to the Forums.
- Critical thinking: an important skill to learn – 20th October 2015
- Introduction to Mathematical Philosophy – 27th April 2014
