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Birth and Early Life
Nancy Cartwright was born on June 24, 1944, in Pennsylvania, USA. She pursued her education in mathematics and philosophy, ultimately earning her Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Illinois. Her background in both these fields laid the foundation for her later work in the philosophy of science, where she would make significant contributions to understanding scientific models and the nature of scientific laws. -
Publication of How the Laws of Physics Lie
[In 1983, Nancy Cartwright published her influential book How the Laws of Physics Lie. In this work, Cartwright challenged the traditional view that scientific laws describe the true nature of the world. Instead, she argued that the laws of physics are idealized models that help us make accurate predictions, but they do not necessarily reflect reality. This book has had a significant impact on the philosophy of science, particularly in discussions about scientific realism.] -
Work on Causality and Scientific Explanation
Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Cartwright expanded her work to focus on causality and scientific explanation. Her book Nature’s Capacities and Their Measurement argues that scientific explanations should focus on capacities—what entities are capable of doing—rather than on laws. This work has influenced the way philosophers and scientists think about causation and the application of scientific models in real-world applications/ scenarios. -
Founding of the Centre for Philosophy of Natural and Social Science
In 1990, Nancy Cartwright co-founded the Centre for Philosophy of Natural and Social Science (CPNSS) at the London School of Economics (LSE). This center became a leading institution for research in the philosophy of science, promoting interdisciplinary work that spans the natural and social sciences. Cartwright’s leadership in establishing this center reflects her commitment to bridging the gap between different areas of scientific inquiry. -
When Should We Trust or Criticize Science? | Nancy Cartwright
In this video, philosopher of science Nancy Cartwright explores the important question of when we should trust or criticize science. She examines the role of trust in scientific authority and whether criticism is a more effective driver of progress. Cartwright's insights are particularly relevant in today's world, where scientific claims often come under public scrutiny. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jx9KSlxReAs.