Metaphysics Work-in-Progress Group (Tuesday - Week 4, MT20)

metaphysics work in progress group

 

What explains the outcomes of chance processes? We claim that their setups do. Chances, on our view, mediate this explanation, but do not feature in it. Facts about chances do feature in some explanations: higher-order explanations, which explain how and why setups explain their outcomes. In this paper, we elucidate this view and defend it from a series of objections. We then show how it changes the playing field in three metaphysical disputes concerning chance: first, it undercuts a circularity objection against reductionist theories of chance. Second, it alters a prominent argument against epistemic theories of chance. Finally, it sheds light on chancy explanations of the Universe’s origin.

In order to receive the papers and be invited to the Teams meeting, please join the mailing list by emailing one of the convenors below. You are all very welcome, and we are grateful for support in this new initiative!


Metaphysics Work-in-Progress convenor:  Alex Moran and Martin Pickup