David Nolan, assistant professor of philosophy at Syracuse University, will discuss "Fictionalist Attitudes about Fictional Matters" at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27, in Room 2110-D Dewey Hall on the University of Rochester's River Campus.
Fictionalists treat much of what is said about a subject-mathematics, physics, morality, theories of possible worlds, the plot of novels-as literally false, but nevertheless worthwhile to say. Nolan will discuss the challenge fictionalists face in discussing each other's beliefs. His talk will be followed by a reception in 501 Lattimore Hall.
Nolan, who earned his doctorate from Australian National University in 1998, has published extensively on topics in metaphysics, philosophy of science, and philosophical logic. He was the Alan and Anita Sutton Distinguished Faculty Fellow at Syracuse University last year.
Nolan's talk is part of the Department of Philosophy's colloquium series. For more information, call (585) 275-4105.