MC-PMP-Brussels-2025

Masterclass in the Philosophy of Mathematical Practices 2025

with Michael Barany (Edinburgh)

Situating Mathematical Practices:
Materials, Institutions, and Critical Context

June 18–20, 2025

Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Brussels, Belgium

About

The Centre for Logic and Philosophy of Science (CLPS) of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) will host its 7th Masterclass in the Philosophy of Mathematical Practices on June 18–20, 2025 with Michael Barany (University of Edinburgh). We intend the masterclass to be a fully interactive in-person event, with the twofold objective to understand in depth the materials presented in the lectures, and to provide early career researchers (MA students, PhD students and Postdocs) with an opportunity to discuss their ongoing work in a helpful and constructive environment.

The event will start on June 18 at 1pm and finish on the 20th.

We welcome talks on all topics in the Philosophy of Mathematical Practices. Talks connecting to the work of Michael Barany and the theme of this year's iteration "Situating Mathematical Practices: Materials, Institutions, and Critical Context" are particularly encouraged.

Lecture Titles and Abstracts

Materials

The first lecture will examine the materiality of mathematical practices and the sociological and historical methodologies by which one may investigate them. We will consider blackboards, paper, and a range of other technologies of reading, writing, and communication in mathematics, together with their implications for characterizing mathematical knowledge and practice.

Institutions

The second lecture will examine the institutional conditions and processes of mathematical work and identity. We will consider the social, epistemic, and bureaucratic organisation of mathematical workplaces, funders, meetings, societies, and other institutional forms, and will identify their significance for understanding the people, interactions, and knowledges of mathematics.

Critical Contexts

The final lecture will develop a suite of themes and interventions for the critical social and cultural study of mathematical practices based on the imperative of situating mathematical practices in relevant contexts.

Further details of lectures and suggested background readings and preparatory exercises will be distributed to registered participants in June.

Call for abstracts

We invite interested early career researchers to send us an abstract of at most 250 words by May 2. Please submit your abstract, including your affiliation and status (bachelor’s student, master’s student, PhD student, postdoc, other) by sending it to the following email address: zhao.fan@vub.be .

The talks will consist of a 20 minute presentation followed by 10 minutes for discussion. Notification of acceptance will be sent out by May 15. Notice that submitting an abstract is not mandatory for attending the Masterclass.

Registration

Registration for the event is open from now until May, 15. Attendance is free and open to anyone interested, but registration is required by sending an email to zhao.fan@vub.be including your affiliation and status (bachelor’s student, master’s student, PhD student, postdoc, other).

Travel Grants

We hope to be able to provide travel grants (up to 300 Euro each) for those who do not have other sources of funding to attend the event. To apply, please send a short description of your situation to zhao.fan@vub.be . Priority will be given to speakers, but all attendees may apply for a travel grant. Deadline is May 2.

Organizers

The masterclass is organized by Line Edslev Andersen (VUB), Zhao Fan (VUB), Thomas Glasman (VUB), Sander Pouliart (VUB), Colin Jakob Rittberg (VUB), Deniz Sarikaya (VUB & Universität zu Lübeck)

The Masterclass honors Joachim Frans (1989-2023) who co-organized the Masterclass for many years.

For any questions write an email to zhao.fan@vub.be

Acknowledgements and Supports

The masterclass is supported by the Centre for Logic & Philosophy of Science (CLPS) of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and the Doctoral School of Human Sciences (DSh) of the VUB.

This event is endorsed by:

The Association for the Philosophy of Mathematical Practice and the CIPSH Chair: Diversity of Mathematical Research Cultrues and Practice

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