Institute of Continuing Education (ICE)
This lecture deals with whether philosophy is aptly viewed as a science. Professor McGinn suggests that although philosophy is a priori conceptual analysis it is still a science - a formal science. Moreover, it can be described as empirical, natural, experimental science. The gulf between philosophy and the other sciences is therefore not as great as many have supposed. In the light of this re-classification, it might be best to re-name philosophy.
Professor Colin McGinn has taught philosophy for 35 years in both the UK and the USA, at University College London, the University of Oxford, Rutgers University and the University of Miami, where he is currently Professor of Philosophy. He specialises in philosophy of mind, metaphysics, and philosophy of language. Professor McGinn has published some 20 books, ranging from consciousness to evil, Shakespeare to sport, film to logic, Wittgenstein to imagination. He has written extensively for the general reading public, as well as publishing a novel.
The Madingley Lectures take place at Madingley Hall, home of the University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education (ICE). This lecture series, given by eminent speakers across a wide range of subjects, is an important part of ICE's commitment to public engagement.