Episode 2: Simplicity

DECEMBER 19, 2022 

Ata Heshmati chats with Mahdi Sadrforati about the idea of simplicity in the history of science based on a novel study of medieval astronomy. They begin by exploring Mahdi’s area of research, namely various theories of conceptual change in science. Then, they discuss different accounts of the principle of simplicity, with close attention to ancient and medieval metaphysics and astronomy. They conclude their conversation by highlighting the contributions of the Maragheh School to the principle of simplicity.

Mahdi Sadrforati finished his Ph.D. in philosophy at the University of Melbourne in 2019. He did a 2-year postdoctoral research at Tehran University, Research Institute of the History of Science. Mahdi has worked on various topics in the history and philosophy of science under the supervision of Howard Sankey. His works appeared in various renowned academic journals, including Studies in History and Philosophy of Science and Principia.

Ata Heshmati is a doctoral student in the history and philosophy of science at the University of Toronto.

Mahdi’s Work Discussed in this Episode: 

• “The Principle of Simplicity for Quṭb Al-Dīn Shīrāzī.” 

Music: Reza Nadri

Poster: Maryam Karimi

Intro: Ata Heshmati

Producer: Shahryar Asqardoust