The Department of Philosophy of Computational Sciences conducts research examining both how computer simulation and machine learning are changing science and technology development, and how society and politics react to these changes: Does simulation and machine learning change our understanding of knowledge and how we justify scientific results? How can computer-based methods help to overcome uncertainties about the future? And how do we deal with the uncertainties of simulation and machine learning itself?

For further information, please visit http://philo.hlrs.de/

Department Head

Nico Formanek

The Science and Art of Simulation

The international and interdisciplinary workshop series “The Science and Art of Simulation” deal with the tension between science and engineering, proof and experience, transparency and ruse in computer simulation, mathematics and politics. This workshop takes place at the HLRS Stuttgart every autumn. There, computer scientists, engineers, historians, and social scientists meet philosophers researching the science and art of simulation. Contributions are expected to be published in a series of books by Springer.

Seminar Program "Thinking about Information"

The goal of the seminar „Ideas of Computer Technology” is a better understanding of the changes in thinking and structures of communication ushered in by the formalisms and products of information technology. The seminar program should be of particular interest to students and staff in technical fields, but representatives of other academic orientations are also very welcome; the course will lay the foundation for the development of mutual understanding. It takes place once a semester and consists of more or less three up to four meetings.

Workshop "Transforming Society - Transforming Simulation"

Philosophical reflection upon scientific practices has to keep track of new developments in the relevant fields. Therefore, this workshop aims at discussing our current research in the philosophy of computer simulations with selected scientists and practitioners. Our guests are involved in small group discussions and are invited to give a public lecture at the HLRS.