Joseph Berkovitz
In my research, I have used philosophical analyses of
causation and probability in order to study the nature of causality and
non-locality in the quantum realm; the question of the compatibility of
quantum mechanics with the special theory of relativity; the nature of
randomness and chaos in classical deterministic processes; closed
causal loops; causal inference; the role of causation in Bayesian
decision theory; and Bayesian epistemology (focusing on its relevance
for scientific methodology). I have also studied the conceptual
foundations of de Finetti’s subjectivist theory of probability. In the
future, I plan to continue my current research, and to work on the
scientific modelling, the concept of approximate truth, and political
economy (concentrating on the relevance of economic structures for
questions about distributive justice).
Here is a link to my cirriculum vitae. (PDF)
For more information, including links to online papers, click here.
Selected publications
2006: Berkovitz, Joseph, Frigg, Roman and Kronz, Fred, “The
ergodic hierarchy, randomness and Hamiltonian chaos”, Studies in History and Philosophy of
Modern of Physics 37,
661-691.
2006: Berkovitz, Joseph and Hemmo, Meir, “A Modal Interpretation of
Quantum Mechanics in Terms of Relational Properties”, in W. Demopoulos
and I. Pitowsky (eds.), Physical
Theory and Its Interpretation: Essays in Honor of Jeffrey Bub,
Western Ontario Series in Philosophy of Science vol. 72, New York:
Springer, pp. 1-28.
2002: Berkovitz, Joseph, “On Causal Loops in the Quantum Realm”, in T.
Placek and J. Butterfield (eds.), Non-locality
and Modality, Kluwer, pp. 235-257.
2002: Berkovitz, Joseph, “On Causal Inference in Determinism and
Indeterminism”, in H. Atmanspacher and R. Bishop (eds.), Between Chance and Choice:
Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Determinism, Imprint Academic,
pp. 237-278.
2001: Berkovitz, Joseph, “On Chance in Causal Loops”, Mind 110, pp. 1-23.
1998: Berkovitz, Joseph, “Aspects of Quantum Non-Locality. I:
Superluminal Signalling, Action-at-a-Distance, Non-Separability and
Holism”, Studies in History and
Philosophy of Modern Physics 29,
pp. 183-222.
1995: Berkovitz, Joseph (1995), “What Econometrics Cannot Teach Quantum
Mechanics”, Studies in History and
Philosophy of Modern Physics 26,
pp. 163-200.