Papers by Joseba Pascual Alba
Transversal, Dec 18, 2023
In this paper, we analyze Ian Hacking's conception of unity regarding the sciences and tr... more In this paper, we analyze Ian Hacking's conception of unity regarding the sciences and try to use his categorization to reinterpret some of the major unitarian philosophies of science of the twentieth century. In two of his papers, Hacking (1992a, 1996) proposed a dual notion of unity-"singleness" and "harmonious integration"-, which, although apparently simple, help us complexify the very notion of unity and its counterpart, plurality. To do so, and after a short review of unity qua ideology (section 2), we shall look into Hacking's classification of unities and its relation to plurality in the sciences (section 3); then, we shall describe and qualify the notions of scientific unity in some of the most relevant philosophies of science (section 4); finally (section 5), we shall use this analysis to engage with and criticize the notion of "special sciences" and its relationship to the notion of "general science". One of the main conclusions will be that a pluralist conception of unity is possible through the notion of integration.
Transversal: International Journal for the Historiography of Science, 2023
In this paper, we analyze Ian Hacking's conception of unity regarding the sciences and try to use... more In this paper, we analyze Ian Hacking's conception of unity regarding the sciences and try to use his categorization to reinterpret some of the major unitarian philosophies of science of the twentieth century. In two of his papers, Hacking (1992a, 1996) proposed a dual notion of unity-"singleness" and "harmonious integration"-, which, although apparently simple, help us complexify the very notion of unity and its counterpart, plurality. To do so, and after a short review of unity qua ideology (section 2), we shall look into Hacking's classification of unities and its relation to plurality in the sciences (section 3); then, we shall describe and qualify the notions of scientific unity in some of the most relevant philosophies of science (section 4); finally (section 5), we shall use this analysis to engage with and criticize the notion of "special sciences" and its relationship to the notion of "general science". One of the main conclusions will be that a pluralist conception of unity is possible through the notion of integration.
EMPIRIA: Revista de Metodología de Ciencias Sociales, Jan 15, 2019
espanolEste articulo tiene como objeto hacer una re-exposicion de la teoria politica de Baruch Es... more espanolEste articulo tiene como objeto hacer una re-exposicion de la teoria politica de Baruch Espinosa (1632-1677) a la luz de su ontologia –entendida esta como una ontologia materialista. Por lo tanto, se hara una interpretacion materialista de la teoria politica este filosofo, desde un acercamiento al «Materialismo Filosofico» de Gustavo Bueno –especificamente, desde su filosofia politica, como «materialismo politico». Para esto, exploraremos brevemente ciertas ideas de su Tratado Politico –teniendo en cuenta, desde luego, la Etica y el Tratado TeologicoPolitico. Lidiaremos con ideas como «derecho natural», «Estado» o «Libertad», u otras ideas que iran saliendo a traves de estas y que junto a la construccion de unas, dialecticamente criticara y destruira otras –como «Pueblo», «Voluntad», «monarquia absoluta» etc. EnglishThe aim of this article is the reexposition of Baruch Espinosa's (1632- 1677) political theory, in the light of his ontology –understood as a materialist ontology. Therefore, we will make a materialist interpretation of the political theory of this philosopher, from an approach to Gustavo Bueno's «Philosophical Materialism» – specifically, from his political philosophy, as a «political materialism». For that goal, we will briefly explore certain ideas from his Political Treatise –of course, with the help of other works, like the Tractatus Theologico-Politicus and the Ethics. We will deal with ideas like «natural law», «State», «Freedom», and other ideas that may arise from those and in which construction, they dialectically criticize and destroy others –v.g., «People», «Will», «absolute monarchy» and so on.
Echeverría Ezponda, J.: El arte de innovar. Naturalezas, lenguajes, sociedades, Madrid: Plaza y V... more Echeverría Ezponda, J.: El arte de innovar. Naturalezas, lenguajes, sociedades, Madrid: Plaza y Valdés, 2017, 189 páginas
Empiria. Revista de metodología de ciencias sociales, 2019
espanolEste articulo tiene como objeto hacer una re-exposicion de la teoria politica de Baruch Es... more espanolEste articulo tiene como objeto hacer una re-exposicion de la teoria politica de Baruch Espinosa (1632-1677) a la luz de su ontologia –entendida esta como una ontologia materialista. Por lo tanto, se hara una interpretacion materialista de la teoria politica este filosofo, desde un acercamiento al «Materialismo Filosofico» de Gustavo Bueno –especificamente, desde su filosofia politica, como «materialismo politico». Para esto, exploraremos brevemente ciertas ideas de su Tratado Politico –teniendo en cuenta, desde luego, la Etica y el Tratado TeologicoPolitico. Lidiaremos con ideas como «derecho natural», «Estado» o «Libertad», u otras ideas que iran saliendo a traves de estas y que junto a la construccion de unas, dialecticamente criticara y destruira otras –como «Pueblo», «Voluntad», «monarquia absoluta» etc. EnglishThe aim of this article is the reexposition of Baruch Espinosa's (1632- 1677) political theory, in the light of his ontology –understood as a materialist onto...
Éste artículo tiene como objeto hacer una re-exposición de la teoría política de Baruch Espinosa ... more Éste artículo tiene como objeto hacer una re-exposición de la teoría política de Baruch Espinosa (1632-1677) a la luz de su ontología –entendida ésta como una ontología materialista. Por lo tanto, se hará una interpretación materialista de la teoría política éste filósofo, desde un acercamiento al «Materialismo Filosófico» de Gustavo Bueno –específicamente, desde su filosofía política, como «materialismo político». Para esto, exploraremos brevemente ciertas ideas de su Tratado Político –teniendo en cuenta, desde luego, la Ética y el Tratado Teológico-Político. Lidiaremos con ideas como «derecho natural», «Estado» o «Libertad», u otras ideas que irán saliendo a través de estas y que junto a la construcción de unas, dialécticamente criticará y destruirá otras –como «Pueblo», «Voluntad», «monarquía absoluta» etc.
(The Political Ontology of Espinosa)
The aim of this article is the reexposition of Baruch Espinosa's (1632-1677) political theory, in the light of his ontology –understood as a materialist ontology. Therefore, we will make a materialist interpretation of the political theory of this philosopher, from an approach to Gustavo Bueno's «Philosophical Materialism» –specifically, from his political philosophy, as a «political materialism». For that goal, we will briefly explore certain ideas from his Political Treatise –of course, with the help of other works, like the Tractatus Theologico-Politicus and the Ethics. We will deal with ideas like «natural law», «State», «Freedom», and other ideas that may arise from those and in which construction, they dialectically criticize and destroy others –v.g., «People», «Will», «absolute monarchy» and so on.
Thesis Chapters by Joseba Pascual Alba
Trabajo de Fin de Grado de Filosofía. Re-exposición de una Filosofía de la Ciencia materialista y... more Trabajo de Fin de Grado de Filosofía. Re-exposición de una Filosofía de la Ciencia materialista y crítica del construccionismo social (relativismo, feminismo epistemológico...).
Bachelor's degree final thesis (THE OBJECTIVE CONSTRUCTION OF SCIENCES. A Materialist Critique of Social Constructionism). Re-exposition of a Materialist Philosophy of Science and critique of Social Constructionism (relativism, Standpoint Theory, etc.)
Book Reviews by Joseba Pascual Alba
Reseña del libro "El arte de innovar" del filósofo Javier Echeverría. Review of... more Reseña del libro "El arte de innovar" del filósofo Javier Echeverría. Review of the book "El arte de innovar" (The Art of Innovating) written by the spanish philosopher Javier Echeverría.
Empiria. Revista de Metodología de Ciencias Sociales, 2019
Recensión del libro "Los ingenieros de Franco. Ciencia, catolicismo y Guerra Fría en el Estado fr... more Recensión del libro "Los ingenieros de Franco. Ciencia, catolicismo y Guerra Fría en el Estado franquista". Barcelona: Crítica, 2017, 317 páginas. La investigación principal de Lino Camprubí, nos ofrece una historia de la transformación del territorio español desde el punto de vista de las ciencias y las tecnologías. Constituye un ejemplo de constatación de la imbricación entre ciencia, tecnología y economía política –sin olvidar la religión. El libro muestra cómo el régimen franquista utilizó la ciencia y tecnología a su alcance para la (re)construcción del país, pero también cómo esos mismos ingenieros construyeron la España franquista.
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Review of the book "Los ingenieros de Franco. Ciencia, catolicismo y Guerra Fría en el Estado franquista". (Franco's engineers. Science, Catholicism and Cold War in the Francoist State) Barcelona: Crítica, 2017, 317 pp. The main research of Lino Camprubí, offers a history of the transformation of the Spanish territory from the point of view of science and technology. It constitutes an example of the verification of the imbrication between science, technology and political economy -without forgetting religion. The book shows how the francoist regime used the science and technology at its disposal for the (re)construction of the country, but also how those same engineers built Franco's Spain.
Reseña del libro "El arte de innovar" del filósofo Javier Echeverría.
Review of the book "El art... more Reseña del libro "El arte de innovar" del filósofo Javier Echeverría.
Review of the book "El arte de innovar" (The Art of Innovating) written by the spanish philosopher Javier Echeverría.
Reseña (en euskera) del libro Filosofiarako sarrera bat (Una introducción a la Filosofía), del pr... more Reseña (en euskera) del libro Filosofiarako sarrera bat (Una introducción a la Filosofía), del profesor Agustín Arrieta Urtizberea.
Review (in basque language) of Agustín Arrieta Urtizberea professor's book Filosofiarako sarrera bat (An Introduction to Philosophy).
Talks by Joseba Pascual Alba
ESHS Brussels, 2022
[Talk given in the ESHS 2022 congress, in the symposium organised by Theodore Arabatzis: "The Per... more [Talk given in the ESHS 2022 congress, in the symposium organised by Theodore Arabatzis: "The Perils and Promises of Prediction in Science and Science Policy"]
The geological sciences deal with vast time-scale and model natural ‘epistemic things’ (Rheinberger, 1997) which are extremely random and unpredictable. As historical scientific objects, volcanoes have a hybrid
nature: they are fleeting but stable, observable and hidden (Arabatzis, 2011). They are a particular case of untamable phenomena (Hacking, 1990).
On September 19th 2021, at lunchtime, the people of the Canary Island of La Palma witnessed a volcanic eruption. Some geologists had previously said that there was only a 20% chance of a volcanic reactivation.
While people are used to trusting in numbers (Porter, 1995) and the media and policy makers need predictions, volcanologists actually move through the quicksand of unpredictability (Kampourakis & McCain, 2020). Geological models seem to be heuristic, rather than predictive tools (Oreskes et al., 1994). In the Tajogaite volcano (Cumbre Vieja) eruption, volcanologists were asked to explain why the eruption was happening, why it was not accurately predicted and why they could not foresee when the end would come. And yet, they were constantly in the media.
My general aim is to use the tools of integrated HPS and cognitive and ecological history in order to understand better the Tajogaite (Cumbre Vieja) episode.
Particularly,
a) to enquire how scientists dealt with that complex and unpredictable phenomenon: I will argue that Interdisciplinarity and the superposition of styles of thinking and doing were simultaneously shaping volcanological practice (Hacking, 2012; Ruphy, 2016);
b) to shed light on the relations between Spanish scientists, policy makers and ordinary people during the eighty-five days of the volcanic activity.
XSLMFCE, 2021
En los comienzos de la Filosofía de la Ciencia como disciplina, era habitual hablar de una Cienci... more En los comienzos de la Filosofía de la Ciencia como disciplina, era habitual hablar de una Ciencia Unificada, opuesta a la pluralidad. Sin embargo, tanto otras tradiciones como los sucesores del neopositivismo no vieron vicio alguno en el pluralismo, sino una realidad irrenunciable. Así, llegamos a los nuevos teóricos del pluralismo científico: J. Dupré, N. Cartwright, I. Hacking y la “Epistemología Histórica” (H.J. Rheinberger, L. Daston) abrieron nuevos mapas de esta pluralidad; más tarde, otros como H. Longino, H. Chang, M. Massimi, S. Ruphy o S.D. Mitchell han renovado la problemática pluralista. El problema es que cada pluralismo tiene su especificidad y abarca tan solo una parte de los problemas filosófico-científicos. Así, el objetivo de esta comunicación es realizar un análisis comparativo de las filosofías pluralistas de la ciencia, con el objetivo taxonómico-filosófico de discernir y aclarar dichas posiciones, para una posible ulterior propuesta más completa.
XIV International Ontology Congress: “Natural determinism and free will” (San Sebastián, Spain), 2021
Why do we want what we want? The Spinozian critique of the idea of Free Will.
ESHS Athens 2021: European Society for the History of Science, Second Early Career Scholars Conference, 2021
The aim of this talk is threefold: first, to clarify what I will call the spiral of scientificati... more The aim of this talk is threefold: first, to clarify what I will call the spiral of scientification process, introducing a three-dimensional criteria (legitimising, institutionalisation and experimental delimitation); second, to show the plurality and complexity going on in the scientific practices, regarding their scientificity; and third, to increase some healthy skepticism about self-praising in natural sciences. The reason to bring here Evo-Psy, Selfish Gene and String Theory is because I think that it’s a lot of work done attacking practices like homeopathy, card reading or talking with the dead. But maybe there’s not the same skepticism about some supposed to be natural sciences. The talk will have two major parts: first, I’ll introduce the concept of “scientific spiral” and explain a little its three dimensional criteria; and then, I will give some impressions about how could we see those String Theory, etc. from that framework. I will not say that those three theories are pseudosciences; but I will suggest that in some of their layers we could see practices that can be problematic in some way. I will argue that what I think we can learn from looking up historical cases from this framework, is that plurality and complexity commands reality. There are so many layers and overlaps between them. Scientific, non-scientific and pseudoscientific practices are interconnected un multiple ways.
XII International Ontology Congress: “Physis kai Polis” (In the 24 Centenary of Aristotle’s Birth), 2016
Spinoza's Political Ontology.
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Papers by Joseba Pascual Alba
(The Political Ontology of Espinosa)
The aim of this article is the reexposition of Baruch Espinosa's (1632-1677) political theory, in the light of his ontology –understood as a materialist ontology. Therefore, we will make a materialist interpretation of the political theory of this philosopher, from an approach to Gustavo Bueno's «Philosophical Materialism» –specifically, from his political philosophy, as a «political materialism». For that goal, we will briefly explore certain ideas from his Political Treatise –of course, with the help of other works, like the Tractatus Theologico-Politicus and the Ethics. We will deal with ideas like «natural law», «State», «Freedom», and other ideas that may arise from those and in which construction, they dialectically criticize and destroy others –v.g., «People», «Will», «absolute monarchy» and so on.
Thesis Chapters by Joseba Pascual Alba
Bachelor's degree final thesis (THE OBJECTIVE CONSTRUCTION OF SCIENCES. A Materialist Critique of Social Constructionism). Re-exposition of a Materialist Philosophy of Science and critique of Social Constructionism (relativism, Standpoint Theory, etc.)
Book Reviews by Joseba Pascual Alba
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Review of the book "Los ingenieros de Franco. Ciencia, catolicismo y Guerra Fría en el Estado franquista". (Franco's engineers. Science, Catholicism and Cold War in the Francoist State) Barcelona: Crítica, 2017, 317 pp. The main research of Lino Camprubí, offers a history of the transformation of the Spanish territory from the point of view of science and technology. It constitutes an example of the verification of the imbrication between science, technology and political economy -without forgetting religion. The book shows how the francoist regime used the science and technology at its disposal for the (re)construction of the country, but also how those same engineers built Franco's Spain.
Review of the book "El arte de innovar" (The Art of Innovating) written by the spanish philosopher Javier Echeverría.
Review (in basque language) of Agustín Arrieta Urtizberea professor's book Filosofiarako sarrera bat (An Introduction to Philosophy).
Talks by Joseba Pascual Alba
The geological sciences deal with vast time-scale and model natural ‘epistemic things’ (Rheinberger, 1997) which are extremely random and unpredictable. As historical scientific objects, volcanoes have a hybrid
nature: they are fleeting but stable, observable and hidden (Arabatzis, 2011). They are a particular case of untamable phenomena (Hacking, 1990).
On September 19th 2021, at lunchtime, the people of the Canary Island of La Palma witnessed a volcanic eruption. Some geologists had previously said that there was only a 20% chance of a volcanic reactivation.
While people are used to trusting in numbers (Porter, 1995) and the media and policy makers need predictions, volcanologists actually move through the quicksand of unpredictability (Kampourakis & McCain, 2020). Geological models seem to be heuristic, rather than predictive tools (Oreskes et al., 1994). In the Tajogaite volcano (Cumbre Vieja) eruption, volcanologists were asked to explain why the eruption was happening, why it was not accurately predicted and why they could not foresee when the end would come. And yet, they were constantly in the media.
My general aim is to use the tools of integrated HPS and cognitive and ecological history in order to understand better the Tajogaite (Cumbre Vieja) episode.
Particularly,
a) to enquire how scientists dealt with that complex and unpredictable phenomenon: I will argue that Interdisciplinarity and the superposition of styles of thinking and doing were simultaneously shaping volcanological practice (Hacking, 2012; Ruphy, 2016);
b) to shed light on the relations between Spanish scientists, policy makers and ordinary people during the eighty-five days of the volcanic activity.
(The Political Ontology of Espinosa)
The aim of this article is the reexposition of Baruch Espinosa's (1632-1677) political theory, in the light of his ontology –understood as a materialist ontology. Therefore, we will make a materialist interpretation of the political theory of this philosopher, from an approach to Gustavo Bueno's «Philosophical Materialism» –specifically, from his political philosophy, as a «political materialism». For that goal, we will briefly explore certain ideas from his Political Treatise –of course, with the help of other works, like the Tractatus Theologico-Politicus and the Ethics. We will deal with ideas like «natural law», «State», «Freedom», and other ideas that may arise from those and in which construction, they dialectically criticize and destroy others –v.g., «People», «Will», «absolute monarchy» and so on.
Bachelor's degree final thesis (THE OBJECTIVE CONSTRUCTION OF SCIENCES. A Materialist Critique of Social Constructionism). Re-exposition of a Materialist Philosophy of Science and critique of Social Constructionism (relativism, Standpoint Theory, etc.)
//
Review of the book "Los ingenieros de Franco. Ciencia, catolicismo y Guerra Fría en el Estado franquista". (Franco's engineers. Science, Catholicism and Cold War in the Francoist State) Barcelona: Crítica, 2017, 317 pp. The main research of Lino Camprubí, offers a history of the transformation of the Spanish territory from the point of view of science and technology. It constitutes an example of the verification of the imbrication between science, technology and political economy -without forgetting religion. The book shows how the francoist regime used the science and technology at its disposal for the (re)construction of the country, but also how those same engineers built Franco's Spain.
Review of the book "El arte de innovar" (The Art of Innovating) written by the spanish philosopher Javier Echeverría.
Review (in basque language) of Agustín Arrieta Urtizberea professor's book Filosofiarako sarrera bat (An Introduction to Philosophy).
The geological sciences deal with vast time-scale and model natural ‘epistemic things’ (Rheinberger, 1997) which are extremely random and unpredictable. As historical scientific objects, volcanoes have a hybrid
nature: they are fleeting but stable, observable and hidden (Arabatzis, 2011). They are a particular case of untamable phenomena (Hacking, 1990).
On September 19th 2021, at lunchtime, the people of the Canary Island of La Palma witnessed a volcanic eruption. Some geologists had previously said that there was only a 20% chance of a volcanic reactivation.
While people are used to trusting in numbers (Porter, 1995) and the media and policy makers need predictions, volcanologists actually move through the quicksand of unpredictability (Kampourakis & McCain, 2020). Geological models seem to be heuristic, rather than predictive tools (Oreskes et al., 1994). In the Tajogaite volcano (Cumbre Vieja) eruption, volcanologists were asked to explain why the eruption was happening, why it was not accurately predicted and why they could not foresee when the end would come. And yet, they were constantly in the media.
My general aim is to use the tools of integrated HPS and cognitive and ecological history in order to understand better the Tajogaite (Cumbre Vieja) episode.
Particularly,
a) to enquire how scientists dealt with that complex and unpredictable phenomenon: I will argue that Interdisciplinarity and the superposition of styles of thinking and doing were simultaneously shaping volcanological practice (Hacking, 2012; Ruphy, 2016);
b) to shed light on the relations between Spanish scientists, policy makers and ordinary people during the eighty-five days of the volcanic activity.