Three Kinds of Topological Explanation in Science - Lecture

Explore a comprehensive lecture on topological explanation in science presented by Professor Alan Baker from Swarthmore College as part of the Orange County Inland Empire (OCIE) Seminar series in History and Philosophy of Mathematics. Delve into the increasing prevalence of network models in scientific research and their impact on complex systems analysis. Examine the proposed classification of topological explanation into three distinct categories: phenomena with inherent topological properties, network modeling approaches, and topological analysis of multi-dimensional data arrays. Gain insights into the relationship between topological explanation and broader scientific explanations, as well as its similarities to other forms of mathematical explanation in science. Discover how this classification framework contributes to a deeper understanding of applied mathematics in scientific practice. Engage with this thought-provoking discussion that bridges mathematics, philosophy, and scientific methodology in a hybrid format seminar lasting 1 hour and 35 minutes.

Three Kinds of Topological Explanation in Science (Alan Baker, Swarthmore College)