Department of Logic and Philosophy of Science
James Owen Weatherall, Department Chair
781 Social Science Tower
949-824-6656
https://www.lps.uci.edu/
The Department of Logic and Philosophy of Science (LPS) brings together faculty and students interested in a wide range of topics loosely grouped in the following areas: general philosophy of science; philosophy of the particular sciences; logic, foundations, and philosophy of mathematics; and philosophy of mathematics in application. LPS enjoys strong cooperative relations with UCI’s Department of Philosophy; in particular, the two units jointly administer a single graduate program which offers the Ph.D. in Philosophy. LPS also has strong interconnections with several science departments, including the Departments of Cognitive Science, of Language Science, and of Economics, as well as the School of Biological Sciences, the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, and the School of Physical Sciences. The Program in Law and Graduate Studies is a concurrent degree study leading to a J.D. from the School of Law in conjunction with a Ph.D. in the Department of Logic and Philosophy of Science.
Salzburg Exchange Program
LPS and the Department of Philosophy jointly administer an Exchange Program with the University of Salzburg. The program has two parts. The Scholarly Exchange provides opportunities for faculty and graduate students in LPS and Philosophy to visit Salzburg and for faculty and graduate students from Salzburg to visit one or the other of the UCI units. The Program also sponsors joint conferences, held alternately in Irvine and in Salzburg; these are co-sponsored by Salzburg and the UCI Interdisciplinary Program in the History and Philosophy of Science.
To be eligible for the Salzburg Exchange, a graduate student must have advanced to candidacy. The selected student spends one semester in Salzburg, usually teaching one course in the general area of the thesis topic. An upper-division course may be taught in English, but lower-division courses must be taught in German. (Some previous visitors have learned serviceable German by attending a Goethe Institute during the preceding summer.) Typically, a Salzburg visitor will receive a Salzburg Fellowship intended to cover travel expenses, and a stipend; those who teach while in Salzburg will also receive a salary intended to cover living expenses (including health and dental insurance).
Applications from LPS graduate students (including a curriculum vita and syllabi for courses that might be taught) should be sent to the LPS Salzburg Exchange Director by November 1.
Program in Law and Graduate Studies (J.D./Ph.D.)
Highly qualified students interested in combining the study of law with graduate research and/or professional qualifications in Logic and Philosophy of Science are invited to undertake concurrent degree study under the auspices of UC Irvine’s Program in Law and Graduate Studies (PLGS). Students in this program pursue a coordinated curriculum leading to a J.D. degree from the School of Law in conjunction with a Ph.D. degree in the Department of Logic and Philosophy of Science. Contact the PLGS Program Director’s office for additional information at 949-824-4158, or by email to admissions@law.uci.edu. A full description of the program, with links to all relevant application information, can be found at the School of Law Concurrent Degree Programs website and in the School of Law School section of the Catalogue.
Faculty
Kevork N. Abazajian, Ph.D. University of California, San Diego, Professor of Physics and Astronomy; Logic and Philosophy of Science
Jeffrey A. Barrett, Ph.D. Columbia University, Chancellor's Professor of Logic and Philosophy of Science; Philosophy
James S. Bullock, Ph.D. University of California, Santa Cruz, Dean of the School of Physical Sciences and Professor of Physics and Astronomy; Logic and Philosophy of Science
Simone Chambers, Ph.D. Columbia University, Professor of Political Science; Logic and Philosophy of Science (democratic theory, ethics, secularism, rhetoric, civility, and the public sphere)
Nadia Chernyak, Ph.D. Cornell University, Associate Professor of Cognitive Sciences; Logic and Philosophy of Science; Psychological Science (cognitive development, social cognition, prosocial behavior, moral cognition, agency and free will, conceptual development)
Peter H. Ditto, Ph.D. Princeton University, Professor of Psychology; Logic and Philosophy of Science; Political Science (social psychology, judgment and decision making, political and moral reasoning)
John Duffy, Ph.D. University of California, Los Angeles, Professor of Economics; Logic and Philosophy of Science
Kenny Easwaran, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley, Associate Professor of Logic and Philosophy of Science
Matthew Foreman, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley, Distinguished Professor of Mathematics; Logic and Philosophy of Science (ergodic theory and dynamical systems, logic and foundations)
Steven A. Frank, Ph.D. University of Michigan, Distinguished Professor and Donald Bren Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Logic and Philosophy of Science
Isaac Goldbring, Ph.D. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Professor of Mathematics; Logic and Philosophy of Science (logic and foundations)
Jeremy Heis, Ph.D. University of Pittsburgh, Professor of Logic and Philosophy of Science; Philosophy
Simon Huttegger, Ph.D. University of Salzburg, Chancellor's Professor of Logic and Philosophy of Science
Manoj Kaplinghat, Ph.D. Ohio State University, Professor of Physics and Astronomy; Logic and Philosophy of Science
Arthur D. Lander, Ph.D. University of California, San Francisco, Director, Center for Complex Biological Systems and Donald Bren Professor and Professor of Developmental and Cell Biology; Biomedical Engineering; Logic and Philosophy of Science (systems biology of development, pattern formation, growth control)
Michael D. Lee, Ph.D. University of Adelaide, Professor of Cognitive Sciences; Logic and Philosophy of Science (computational models and bayesian methods in decision making, representation, categorization, individual differences, and the wisdom of the crowd)
Penelope Maddy, Ph.D. Princeton University, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Logic and Philosophy of Science; Philosophy
David B. Malament, Ph.D. The Rockefeller University, Professor Emeritus of Logic and Philosophy of Science
JB Manchak, Ph.D. University of California, Irvine, Professor of Logic and Philosophy of Science; Philosophy; Religious Studies
Michael T. McBride, Ph.D. Yale University, Professor of Economics; Logic and Philosophy of Science; Religious Studies
Toby Meadows, Ph.D. University of Melbourne, Associate Professor of Logic and Philosophy of Science
Kristen R. Monroe, Ph.D. University of Chicago, Distinguished Professor of Political Science; Logic and Philosophy of Science (ethics, international relations, political and moral psychology, normative political theory, politics of difference, conflict resolution)
Cailin O'Connor, Ph.D. University of California, Irvine, Chancellor's Professor of Logic and Philosophy of Science; Cognitive Sciences; Philosophy
Lisa Pearl, Ph.D. University of Maryland, College Park, Professor of Language Science; Logic and Philosophy of Science (language development, linguistics, computational sociolinguistics, cognitive modeling)
Megan Peters, Ph.D. University of California, Los Angeles, Associate Professor of Cognitive Sciences; Logic and Philosophy of Science (perception, metacognition, consciousness, computational modeling, computational cognitive neuroscience)
Manuel Reyes, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley, Associate Professor of Mathematics; Logic and Philosophy of Science (algebra and number theory)
Lauren Ross, Ph.D. University of Pittsburgh, Associate Professor of Logic and Philosophy of Science
Jeffrey Rouder, Ph.D. University of California, Irvine, Falmagne Endowed Chair and Professor of Cognitive Sciences; Logic and Philosophy of Science (mathematical and statistical models of perception and cognition, bayesian mixed models, psychometrics)
Barbara W. Sarnecka, Ph.D. University of Michigan, Professor of Cognitive Sciences; Logic and Philosophy of Science (cognitive development, language and conceptual change, writing and scientific communication)
Gregory Scontras, Ph.D. Harvard University, Associate Professor of Language Science; Logic and Philosophy of Science (semantics, pragmatics, computational modeling, heritage bilingualism)
Brian Skyrms, Ph.D. University of Pittsburgh, UCI Distinguished Professor of Logic and Philosophy of Science; Economics; Philosophy
P. Kyle Stanford, Ph.D. University of California, San Diego, Professor of Logic and Philosophy of Science; Cognitive Sciences; Philosophy
Timothy Tait, Ph.D. Michigan State University, Professor of Physics and Astronomy; Logic and Philosophy of Science
Joachim S. Vandekerckhove, Ph.D. University of Leuven, Professor of Cognitive Sciences; Logic and Philosophy of Science; Statistics (response time modeling, model fitting, computational statistics, psychometrics, bayesian statistics)
James O. Weatherall, Ph.D. Stevens Institute of Technology, Department Chair and Chancellor's Professor of Logic and Philosophy of Science
Kai Wehmeier, Ph.D. University of Münster, Director, Center for the Advancement of Logic, its Philosophy, History, and Applications and Dean's Professor of Logic and Philosophy of Science; Language Science; Philosophy
Daniel Whiteson, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley, Professor of Physics and Astronomy; Logic and Philosophy of Science
Jesse Wolfson, Ph.D. Northwestern University, Associate Professor of Mathematics; Logic and Philosophy of Science (topology)
Martin Zeman, Ph.D. Humboldt University of Berlin, Professor of Mathematics; Logic and Philosophy of Science (logic and foundations)
Courses
LPS 29. Critical Reasoning. 4 Units.
Introduction to analysis and reasoning. The concepts of argument, premise, and conclusion, validity and invalidity, consistency and inconsistency. Identifying and assessing premises and inferences. Deductive versus inductive reasoning, and introduction to the probability calculus. Evaluating definitions. Informal fallacies.
Same as PHILOS 29
(II and Vb.)
LPS 30. Introduction to Symbolic Logic. 4 Units.
An introduction to the symbolism and methods of the logic of statements, including evaluation of arguments by truth tables, the techniques of natural deduction, and semantic tableaux.
(Vb)
LPS 31. Introduction to Inductive Logic. 4 Units.
Philosophical questions concerning the foundations of scientific inference, e.g., the traditional problem of induction, the Goodman paradox, the concept of cause, Mill's method of inductive reasoning, probability calculus, different interpretations of probability, and their interaction in inductive reasoning.
Same as PHILOS 31
(II and Va)
LPS 40. The Nature of Scientific Inquiry. 4 Units.
Investigates the nature, scope, and status of scientific knowledge and the methods used to acquire it. Uses concrete historical examples from a variety of scientific fields to identify distinctive features of the scientific enterprise and explore their significance.
Same as PHILOS 41
(II)
LPS 60. The Making of Modern Science. 4 Units.
Surveys the history of science and mathematics since the Scientific Revolution, examining central developments both chronologically and thematically, as well as investigating their significance for contemporary philosophical debates about the role and status of current scientific theories.
Same as HISTORY 60
(II or IV)
LPS H81. What is Space? . 4 Units.
Historical, philosophical, scientific exploration of the concept of "space." Questions of interest include: What kind of a thing is space? How can we know what space is like? How is space different from time?
Restrictions: Campuswide Honors Collegium only.
(II)
LPS H83. Evolutionary Foundations of Human Moral Psychology. 4 Units.
Examines origin and function(s) of human moral psychology from an evolutionary point of view, drawing on theories and experimental findings from evolutionary biology, social psychology, developmental and comparative psychology, primatology, anthropology, and philosophy.
Restrictions: Campuswide Honors Collegium only.
(II or III.)
LPS 91. The Philosophy of Sex. 4 Units.
Discusses the origins of biological sex, dynamics of sexual selection, sex differences in humans, and the construction of gender in human societies. Seeks to understand the role social values play in the creation of science.
Same as PHILOS 91
Overlaps with LPS H91.
(III)
LPS H91. The Philosophy and Biology of Sex. 4 Units.
Covers the origins of biological sex, dynamics of sexual selection, the evolution and cultural creation of sexual behavior in humans, and the construction of gender in human societies.
Restrictions: Campuswide Honors Collegium only.
(II and III)
LPS H95. Jurisprudence and Constitutional Law. 4 Units.
Applies competing theories of the nature of law and legal reasoning to evaluate decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court in controversial areas of constitutional law such as free speech, privacy, sexual conduct, affirmative action, and political campaign contributions.
Restrictions: Campuswide Honors Collegium only.
(III)
LPS 100W. Writing Philosophy. 4 Units.
Discussion of those aspects of writing of special importance in philosophy, e.g., philosophical terminology, techniques for evaluating arguments, philosophical definitions and theories. At least 4,000 words of assigned composition based on philosophical readings.
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of the Lower-Division Writing requirement.
Same as PHILOS 100W
(Ib)
LPS 104. Introduction to Logic. 4 Units.
Introduction to sentence logic, including truth tables and natural deduction; and to predicate logic, including semantics and natural deduction.
Same as LSCI 142, PHILOS 104
LPS 105A. Introduction to Set Theory and Mathematical Reasoning. 4 Units.
An introduction to the basic working vocabulary of mathematical reasoning and proof. Topics include sets, Boolean operations, ordered n-tuples, relations, functions, induction, and their applications to mathematical philosophy.
Same as LSCI 145A, PHILOS 105A
LPS 105B. Metalogic. 4 Units.
Introduction to formal syntax (proof theory) and semantics (model theory) for first-order logic, including the deduction, completeness, compactness, and Löewenheim-Skolem theorems.
Prerequisite: LSCI 145A or LPS 105A or PHILOS 105A.
Same as LSCI 145B, PHILOS 105B
Overlaps with MATH 150.
LPS 105C. Undecidability and Incompleteness. 4 Units.
Introduction to the formal theory of effective processes, including recursive functions, Turing machines, Church's thesis, and proofs of Göedel's incompleteness theorem for arithmetic, and Church's undecidability theorem for first-order logic.
Prerequisite: LSCI 145B or LPS 105B or PHILOS 105B.
Same as LSCI 145C, PHILOS 105C
Concurrent: LPS 205C
LPS 106. Topics in Logic . 4 Units.
Selected topics in mathematical or philosophical logic.
Prerequisite: (LPS 105A or PHILOS 105A or LSCI 145A) and (LPS 105B or PHILOS 105B or LSCI 145B) and (LPS 105C or PHILOS 105C or LSCI 145C).
Same as LSCI 106, PHILOS 106
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary
LPS 108. Topics in Induction, Probability, and Decision Theory. 4 Units.
Selected topics in induction, probability, and decision theory.
Same as PHILOS 108
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary
LPS 113. Topics in Modern Philosophy. 4 Units.
Focuses on the works of central philosophical figures of modern Philosophy (e.g., Descartes, Leibniz, Hobbes, Locke, Hume, Kant) or on the treatment of one or more central philosophical problems by a number of these figures.
Same as PHILOS 113
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary
LPS 115. Topics in History of Analytic Philosophy. 4 Units.
Review of central theories or figures in the history of analytic philosophy. Emphasis on writings of Frege, Russell, Schlick, Carnap, and Quine. Topics include the nature of meaning and truth, the synthetic/analytic distinction, and scientific knowledge.
Same as PHILOS 115
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary
LPS 120. Topics in Metaphysics. 4 Units.
Examines central philosophical questions concerning our own fundamental nature and that of the world around us (e.g., causation and necessity, determination, free will, personal identity, the mind-body problem).
Same as PHILOS 120
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary
LPS 121. Topics in the Theory of Knowledge . 4 Units.
One or more topics in the theory of knowledge, e.g., the nature of rational justification, of perceptual knowledge, of a priori knowledge.
Same as PHILOS 121
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary
LPS H123. What is Disease?. 4 Units.
Explores philosophical issues associated with scientific efforts to understand and explain disease.
Restrictions: Campuswide Honors Collegium only.
(II)
LPS H125. What Is Time? . 4 Units.
Engages the question "what is time?" by drawing on physics, philosophy, fiction, film, and psychology. Organized around understanding and addressing the tension between time as represented in physics and our immediate temporal experience.
Restrictions: Campuswide Honors Collegium only.
(III)
LPS 135A. The Scientific Revolution. 4 Units.
An examination of early modern European science from 1500-1700. Includes primary readings from central figures (Copernicus, Harvey, Bacon, Descartes, et al.); themes include the impact of printing, humanism, patronage, technology, and discussion of the term "revolution" in this context.
Same as HISTORY 135A, PHILOS 135A
LPS 140. Topics in Philosophy of Science. 4 Units.
Selected topics in contemporary philosophy of science, e.g., the status of theoretical entities, the confirmation of theories, the nature of scientific explanation.
Same as PHILOS 140
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary
LPS 141B. Geometry and Spacetime. 4 Units.
An examination of the foundations of the special theory of relativity, with emphasis on the geometry of Minkowski spacetime, and its relation to both Euclidean and non-Euclidean (hyperbolic) plane geometries.
Same as PHILOS 141B
LPS 141D. Probability and Determinism. 4 Units.
An examination of a cluster of interrelated issues concerning probability, determinism, logic, and the foundations of quantum mechanics.
Same as PHILOS 141D
LPS H141. Honors Philosophy of Quantum Mechanics. 4 Units.
An examination of the standard von Neumann-Dirac formulation of quantum mechanics. The quantum measurement problem is discussed along with several proposed solutions, including GRW, many-worlds, man-minds, and Bohm's theory.
Overlaps with LPS 141C.
Restrictions: Campuswide Honors Collegium only.
LPS 143. Topics in Philosophy of Psychology. 4 Units.
Selected topics in the philosophy of psychology, e.g., the nature of psychological explanation, reductionism, issues in cognitive, behavioral, and neuroscience.
Same as PHILOS 143, PSYCH 123P
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary
Restrictions: Philosophy majors and Psychology majors have the first consideration for enrollment.
LPS 144. Topics in Philosophy of Social Science. 4 Units.
Selected topics in the philosophy of the social sciences, e.g.: Is their goal to understand behavior or to predict and control it? Are they normative and the natural sciences not? Do they incorporate philosophical doctrines about language and mind?
Same as PHILOS 144
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary
LPS 145. Topics in Philosophy of Language. 4 Units.
Selected topics in the philosophy of language, e.g., the nature of meaning, mechanisms of reference, speech acts.
Same as LSCI 141, PHILOS 145
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary
LPS 147. Topics in Philosophy of Mathematics. 4 Units.
Selected historical and contemporary topics in the philosophy of mathematics, e.g., mathematical truth and ontology, mathematical knowledge, the nature and role of proof, the workings of mathematics in application.
Same as PHILOS 147
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary
LPS 199. Independent Study. 1-4 Units.
Independent research with Logic and Philosophy of Science faculty.
Repeatability: May be taken for credit for 12 units
LPS 205A. Introduction to Set Theory and Mathematical Reasoning. 4 Units.
An introduction to the basic working vocabulary of mathematical reasoning and proof. Topics include sets, Boolean operations, ordered n-tuples, relations, functions, induction, and their applications to mathematical philosophy.
Same as PHILOS 205A
LPS 205B. Metalogic. 4 Units.
Formal syntax (proof theory) and semantics (model theory) for first-order logic, including the deduction, completeness, compactness, and Loewenheim-Skolem theorems.
Prerequisite: PHILOS 205A with a minimum grade of B- or LPS 205A with a minimum grade of B-.
Same as PHILOS 205B
LPS 205C. Undecidability and Incompleteness. 4 Units.
Formal theory of effective processes, including recursive function, Turing machines, Church's thesis, proofs of Goedel's incompleteness theorem for arithmetics, and Church's undecidability for first-order logic.
Prerequisite: PHILOS 205B with a minimum grade of B- or LPS 205B with a minimum grade of B-.
Same as PHILOS 205C
Concurrent: LPS 105C
LPS 206. Topics in Logic . 4 Units.
Studies in selected areas of logic. Topics addressed vary each quarter.
Same as PHILOS 206
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary
LPS 213. Topics in Modern Philosophy. 4 Units.
Studies in selected areas of modern philosophy. Topics addressed vary each quarter.
Same as PHILOS 213
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary
LPS 215. Topics in Analytic Philosophy. 4 Units.
Studies in selected areas of analytic philosophy. Topics addressed vary each quarter.
Same as PHILOS 215
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary
LPS 220. Topics in Metaphysics. 4 Units.
Studies in selected areas of metaphysics. Topics addressed vary each quarter.
Same as PHILOS 220
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary
LPS 221. Topics in Epistemology. 4 Units.
Studies in selected areas of epistemology. Topics addressed vary each quarter.
Same as PHILOS 221
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary
LPS 221A. Medical Epistemology. 4 Units.
Analysis of epistemological issues concerning medical research and healthcare. Topics may include medical evidence, transmission of medical knowledge in the doctor-patient interaction, medical expertise, epistemology of medical disagreement, classification of illness, well-being, philosophy of pain, or medical decision making.
Same as PHILOS 221A
LPS 232. Topics in Political and Social Philosophy. 4 Units.
Studies in selected areas of political and social philosophy. Topics addressed vary each quarter.
Same as PHILOS 232
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary
LPS 240. Topics in Philosophy of Science. 4 Units.
Studies in selected areas of philosophy of science. Topics addressed vary each quarter.
Same as PHILOS 240
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary
LPS 241. Topics in Philosophy of Physics. 4 Units.
Studies in selected areas of philosophy of physics. Topics addressed vary each quarter.
Same as PHILOS 241
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary
LPS 242. Topics in Philosophy of Biology. 4 Units.
Studies in selected areas of philosophy of biology. Topics addressed vary each quarter.
Same as PHILOS 242
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary
LPS 243. Topics in Philosophy of Psychology. 4 Units.
Selected topics in the philosophy of psychology, e.g., the nature of psychological explanation, reductionism, issues in cognitive, behavioral, and neuroscience.
Same as PHILOS 243
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary
LPS 244. Topics in Philosophy of Social Science. 4 Units.
Studies in selected areas of philosophy and social science. Topics addressed vary each quarter.
Same as PHILOS 244
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary
LPS 245. Topics in Philosophy of Language. 4 Units.
Studies in selected areas of philosophy of language. Topics addressed vary each quarter.
Same as PHILOS 245
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary
LPS 246. Topics in Philosophy of Logic. 4 Units.
Studies in selected areas of philosophy of logic. Topics addressed vary each quarter.
Same as PHILOS 246
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary
LPS 247. Topics in Philosophy of Mathematics. 4 Units.
Studies in selected areas of philosophy of mathematics. Topics addressed vary each quarter.
Same as PHILOS 247
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary
LPS 289. Logic and Philosophy of Science Workshop. 1-4 Units.
A two- or three-quarter-long workshop on selected topics in logic and philosophy of science.
Grading Option: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times
LPS 298. Independent Study. 4-12 Units.
Independent research with Logic and Philosophy of Science Faculty.
Repeatability: May be taken for credit for 12 units
LPS 299. Directed Research. 1-12 Units.
Directed study with Logic and Philosophy of Science Faculty.
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times
LPS 399. University Teaching. 4-12 Units.
Required of and limited to Teaching Assistants.
Grading Option: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only
Repeatability: May be taken for credit for 12 units