Philosophy 290-2

This seminar will examine various conceptions of objectivity as they pertain to issues in metaphysics, epistemology, meaning, and ethics. These issues include whether the world has an objective, perspectival-independent nature; whether there are objectively correct and incorrect methods by which to form beliefs or achieve scientific consensus; whether utterances (or thoughts) have meanings (or contents) independent of their interpretations; and whether there are objectively correct and incorrect ways to live. While these are a disparate collection of topics, one aim of the seminar is to look at whether and how conceptions of objectivity in one domain bear on those in others. Readings will be tailored to the interests of seminar participants but could include selections from Paul Boghossian, Heather Douglas, Matti Eklund, Hartry Field, Christine Korsgaard, Helen Longino, Cheryl Misak, Hilary Putnam, Richard Rorty, Ted Sider, and Bernard Williams.