Oct 31 2024 71 mins 4
In this special 100th episode, guest host Katie Plaisance interviews Nick
Zautra, the host and producer of the SCI PHI Podcast, as he reflects on the
journey of the podcast and insights gained from interviewing 99
philosophers of science. Nick shares his personal story—from his childhood
interests to the spark that ignited his creativity and passion for
combining both philosophy and science. Nick delves into what he’s learned
about what it means to do good philosophy of science, exploring the
methodologies and approaches that define the discipline today. Nick also
reveals insightful patterns he's observed within the scientific community,
personal and professional challenges faced by researchers, the human
element of science, and what he envisions for the future.
Timestamps:
(0:00) - Introduction with Dr. Katie Plaisance (Guest Host)
(1:18) - Nick’s early life and interest in science
(3:39) - Educational background and career decisions: neuroscience,
philosophy, and comedy writing
(7:11) - Research with animal models and first experience with a
philosopher of science
(9:21) - Origin story of the SCI PHI Podcast
(12:21) - Patterns and insights gathered after interviewing 99 philosophers
of science
(19:24) - Personal challenges and successes of philosophers of science
(26:20) - The human element in science and why it’s so important
(33:06) - Biggest surprises regarding the background and impact of
philosophers of science
(38:29) - Nick’s take on the two greatest challenges facing philosophy of
science today
(44:24) - Katie’s elevator pitch for “what is philosophy of science?”
(47:18) - Are there certain types of scientists who seem to “get”
philosophy of science?
(51:23) - Missed opportunities for collaboration resulting from the “PR
problem”
(56:04) - How the podcast has shaped Nick’s research and collaborations
(1:01:37) - Toward philosophy with science
(1:03:34) - Looking back: what Nick would have done differently
(1:06:24) - Looking back: what Nick envisions for the future
Zautra, the host and producer of the SCI PHI Podcast, as he reflects on the
journey of the podcast and insights gained from interviewing 99
philosophers of science. Nick shares his personal story—from his childhood
interests to the spark that ignited his creativity and passion for
combining both philosophy and science. Nick delves into what he’s learned
about what it means to do good philosophy of science, exploring the
methodologies and approaches that define the discipline today. Nick also
reveals insightful patterns he's observed within the scientific community,
personal and professional challenges faced by researchers, the human
element of science, and what he envisions for the future.
Timestamps:
(0:00) - Introduction with Dr. Katie Plaisance (Guest Host)
(1:18) - Nick’s early life and interest in science
(3:39) - Educational background and career decisions: neuroscience,
philosophy, and comedy writing
(7:11) - Research with animal models and first experience with a
philosopher of science
(9:21) - Origin story of the SCI PHI Podcast
(12:21) - Patterns and insights gathered after interviewing 99 philosophers
of science
(19:24) - Personal challenges and successes of philosophers of science
(26:20) - The human element in science and why it’s so important
(33:06) - Biggest surprises regarding the background and impact of
philosophers of science
(38:29) - Nick’s take on the two greatest challenges facing philosophy of
science today
(44:24) - Katie’s elevator pitch for “what is philosophy of science?”
(47:18) - Are there certain types of scientists who seem to “get”
philosophy of science?
(51:23) - Missed opportunities for collaboration resulting from the “PR
problem”
(56:04) - How the podcast has shaped Nick’s research and collaborations
(1:01:37) - Toward philosophy with science
(1:03:34) - Looking back: what Nick would have done differently
(1:06:24) - Looking back: what Nick envisions for the future
