The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin

Chair of the Methodology of Philosophy

The Chair of Metaphilosophy: Dr hab. Paweł Kawalec (Chairman), Rev. Prof. dr hab. Józef Herbut (emeritus), dr Rafał Paweł Wierzchosławski (adiunkt), mgr Piotr Lipski

The Chair of Metaphilosophy has been founded in order to conduct the research in the domain of Metaphilosophy, especially focused on methods used in the so called ‘classical philosophy', with an attempt to established its characteristics and peculiarities on the background of methods used other types of knowledge (science, religion, theology etc.) The Chair cooperates with the Chair of Methodology of Science organizing the research seminar for graduate students and the staff of both units.

In 1992 Rev. Prof. Józef Herbut, who has been teaching formerly in the Chair of Methodology of Science, has been has been appointed and he hold the chair until his retirement in 2007. His follower has has been appointed dr hab. Paweł Kawalec, who was also formerly working in the Chair of Methodology of Science, as well as Dr. Rafał Paweł Wierzchosławski, who works here since 2003.

 

The main domains of research consist in:

1. Metaphilosophy - methods used in philosophy, particularly applied in the ‘classical' metaphysics; comparison and assessment of various methods applied in philosophy (phenomenological, semiotics, hermeneutics, ontological, transcendental, based on sciences, etc.); relations between philosophy and other types of knowledge; characteristics of philosophical problems resolved by two cognitive powers: ratio and intellectus.
2. The science studies, scientific research management and the development of scientific research - theoretical and philosophical background of science studies and management of scientific institutions and research projects in R&D activities. Our research focuses on an automated model of R&D management implemented using Bayesian networks graphical causal models. The model is expected in particular to realize rev. prof. S. Kamiński's ideal of sapiential management of science. Currently we lead a national project "Management of R&D system" in cooperation with The Lublin Business School http://www.systembr.pl.
3. Philosophy of society and philosophy of the social sciences - social ontology (social and institutional facts, collective intentionalities); problems of choice between various conceptual schemes (Begrieffsaparatur) used in the social sciences, and its significance for the social explanation (explanatory ecumenism); political philosophy (neo-republican freedom and citizenship); rationality and irrationality of social action in the background of emotions; ‘social practices' and the social studies of science; history of modern sociological thought and social theory.
4. Analytical philosophy of religion discussed on the background of analytical philosophy focusing on semiotic function of religious statements /utterances, like prayers; determination problems of theological predicates; verification of theological propositions, non-assertive interpretation of different functions of religious language (emotional, symbolic, ritual and mythical), types of religious experience.