-
Background
Nancy Cartwright is one of the most influential philosophers of science today. A British & American citizen, she earned a BS in Mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh and a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Illinois, Chicago. An author, she has written eleven books and almost two hundred articles & book chapters. She is a professor at the University of California, San Diego and at Durham University, UK. She is a widow of Sir Stuart Hampshire and has two daughters.. -
Areas of Research
Cartwright’s career focused on the role of models, the role of causation and the connection between science, values and politics. Cartwright’s philosophy is that high-level theories do not represent physical systems and that interpretive and representative models are needed. In Cartwright’s opinion the theoretical laws ‘lie’ and should be used as tools for model-building. Cartwright supports anti-fundamentalism and scientific disunity, specializing in quantum theory and wholism. -
Applied Science
Cartwright’s approach centers on applied practice rather than scientific theories. As a working scientist she is concerned with results. Metaphysical and epistemological theories in philosophy are only needed to understand and duplicate successful results. Cartwright has participated in at least thirty media events & published interviews, given over one hundred-eighty lectures & conferences, and earned over twenty-five grants. She has received over thirty fellowships and honors. -
Current Projects
Cartwright has recently become more involved in policy and administration. She sits on twenty editorial boards, is an active member of seven associations and is the Co-Director of the Centre for Humanities Engaging Science and Society (CHESS) at Durham University. Nancy Cartwright’s work has expanded beyond the philosophy of science into politics, law and economics, continuing to focus on applied philosophical problems. (Video:)(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp_Yembx4VM) -
References
Cartwright, N. (2020). Curriculum Vitae. Nancy Cartwright – Professor of Philosophy. Retrieved from https://www.dur.ac.uk/resources/philosophy/NancyCV.pdf Dillon, C. (2017). UC San Diego Professor Recognized as One of World’s Most Influential Living Philosopher. UC San Diego News Center. Retrieved from https://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/feature/uc_san_diego_professor_nancy_cartwright_recognized
_as_one_of_worlds_most_in -
References (continued)
Frisch, M. (2009). Nancy Cartwright’s Philosophy of Science. Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews. Retrieved from https://ndpr.nd.edu/news/nancy-cartwright-s-philosophy-of-science/ Wikipedia. (2020). Nancy Cartwright (philosopher). Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Cartwright_(philosopher)