The Origins of scientific naturalism in the 17th Century

On March 12th, 15-18h, Tinneke Beeckman will give a guest lecture on ‘The Origins of scientific naturalism in the 17th Century’ for the course Contemporary debates in philosophy of science. The lecture is open to everyone and will be held in room 8.2.16 (Building C 8, level 2, room 16) of the Universidade de Lisboa.

Sincerely,

Nathalie Gontier

CFCUL, FCT

Contact:
Centro Filosofia das Ciências cdlisboa@fc.ul.pt



Abstract

Tinneke Beeckman proposes to give a lecture on early forms of naturalism in the 17th Century, especially with regard to Spinoza; and 19th Century naturalism, in regard to the references to Darwin and Lamarck in the works of Nietzsche. Spinoza strived to integrate scientific revolutions into his work, which meant ‘Newtonian physics’ in his time. Remarkably enough his ontology (God-Nature which a perpetual 'becoming') is compatible with the three basic Darwinian presuppositions: that the Earth is older than the Bible describes, that complexity is the result of processes like natural selection, and that there is a common 'tree of life'. Spinoza also draws the consequences of his naturalism: there is no teleology in nature and no place for supernatural explanations. Tinneke Beeckman will analyze the ontological, political and ethical consequences of this naturalism. Especially Spinoza’s political views still offer refreshing insights with regard to the current debate on creationism versus naturalism.

CV

Dr. Tinneke Beeckman studied moral philosophy at Free University of Brussels (VUB) and has a 'Diplôme d'études approfondies en philosophie et culture' at the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) (1994-1999). She is a postdoctoral researcher, working for the Fund for Scientific Research in Flanders. She is also the scientific adviser for the 'Center of the Enlightenment and Contemporary Humanism' (VUB). Currently, she is a guest lecturer, giving a course on the philosophy of religion at the Free University of Brussels.