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INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON 

'STRUCTURES IN MATHEMATICAL THEORIES' 

San Sebastian (Spain), 24th-2Sth September 1990 

Organized by the Department of Logic and Philosophy 

of Science, University of the Basque Country 

PRE-ANNOUNCEMENT 

The notion of scientific theory is essential for the analysis and rational reconstruction of empirical 
theories. Howewer, in the case of Mathematics, and more generally in the Formal Sciences, the concept-of 
theory itself becomes problematic. In its place, terms like 'structures', 'calculus', etc. are sometimes 
preferred. Nevertheless, to some branches of Mathematics such as the Number Theory, Computer 
Sciences, Artificial Intelligence, etc. an empirical methodology is applied: conjectures, observation, 
corroboration and refutation of hypothesis, experimentation and even technology are not outside the 
boundaries of mathematical research. Is it possible, therefore, to reconstruct mathematical theories 
according to the methods of analysis for empirical theories proposed by philosophers of science in recent 
years? What relationship does Mathematics have with empirical sciences and with reality? How do 
mathematicians research? 

An International Symposium on the aforementioned issues will be held in San Sebastian from 24th 
to 28th of September 1990, in order that an open platform can be offered to mathematicians, philosophers 
of science and historians of science to discuss the singularity of mathematical theories: their structures, 
historical evolutions, and interrelations with other sciences and technologies. The papers and discussions 
will be published. 

The Symposium will consist of five sections: 
I: Mathematical Theories and Empirical Theories. 
II: Applications of Mathematical Theories. 
llJ: History and Sociology of Mathematical Theories. 
IV: Methods of research into Mathematics. 
V: Structures of Mathematical Theories. 

The Symposium will be organized by the Department of Logic and Philosophy of Science at the 
University of the Basque Country. The First Circular will be sent out in May 1989. 

All correspondence should by adressed to: 
Prof. Javier Echeverria and/or Andoni Ibarra 
Departamento de Lbgica y Filosofia de la Ciencia. 
Universidad del Pals Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea. 
Apartado 1249. 
20080 San Sebasti=~n (SPAIN)