This week, Thomas Spiteri is in conversation with Professor Lydia Patton, philosopher of science and historian of the philosophy of science. Patton traces her unexpected journey from ballet to Kantian philosophy and into the emerging field of HOPOS (history of philosophy of science). She reflects on her years as editor-in-chief of the HOPOS journal, she offers her perspective on the field’s future.

Along the way, she highlights the distinctive character of HOPOS as a historically grounded approach to philosophical problems, reflects on her editorial leadership of HOPOS (2017-2024), emphasises the importance of widening the scope of the discipline, and considers the promise and limits of new and emerging methods of research. She concludes by discussing some of areas of research that continue to capture her attention.

In this episode, Patton:

• Recounts her unlikely path from ballet to philosophy and HOPOS
• Clarifies what makes HOPOS distinctive as a historical approach
• Reflects on her editorial leadership of HOPOS (2017–2024)
• Challenges presentist views of the 19th century and its blurred disciplinary boundaries
• Explores new digital methods in the history of philosophy of science
• Shares concerns and hopes about AI and machine learning
• Looks ahead to the journal’s future under Matthew Brown

 Relevant Links

• Lydia Patton Website
• Article discussed: Serendipity and the Unexpected in the History of Philosophy of Science: Reflections on My Editorship of HOPOS (2017–2024)
• HOPOS: The Journal of the International Society for the History of Philosophy of Science
• International Society for the History of Philosophy of Science (HOPOS)
• Stuart Russell – Human Compatible: Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Control 

Thanks for listening to The HPS Podcast. You can find more about us on our website, Bluesky, Instagram and Facebook feeds.

This podcast would not be possible without the support of School of Historical and Philosophical Studies at the University of Melbourne and the Hansen Little Public Humanities Grant scheme.

Music by ComaStudio.
Website HPS Podcast | hpsunimelb.org