Date: 05-Apr-2011
From: Thorsten Halling <thorsten.halling uni-ulm.de>
Subject: Bridging Disciplines: Evolution & Classification in Biology, Linguistics & the History of Science
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Full Title: Bridging Disciplines: Evolution & Classification in Biology, Linguistics & the History of Science
Date: 24-Jun-2011 - 26-Jun-2011
Location: Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Contact Person: Thorsten Halling
Meeting Email: < click here to access email >
Web Site: http://www.uni-ulm.de/en/med/project/activities/conferences-and-presentations/bridging-disciplines.html
Linguistic Field(s): Genetic Classification; Historical Linguistics
Call Deadline: 30-Apr-2011
Meeting Description:
Bridging Disciplines: Evolution and Classification in Biology, Linguistics and the History of Science
Networks in linguistics and biology date back to the 18th century, but models of reticulation instead of tree representations have only recently gained growing interest. They are now widely employed and used on a formalized basis: in biology, research in procaryot evolution suggests lateral gene transfer as a major feature in the development of bacteria. In the field of linguistics, mutual borrowings between languages, wave-like distribution of lexical innovations and diffusion of lexical and morphological features are rather the rule than the exception. In the humanities, networks can be used to express hybridization of cultural phenomena as an alternative to established phylogenetic models.
For these reasons, network models allow a more realistic representation of borrowing and lateral transfer than traditional phylogenetic trees. In the process of mutual references between biology, linguistics and the social sciences, scholars from different disciplines have transferred concepts and metaphors across disciplinary boundaries. Therefore, social network analysis may help historians to model institutional, spatial and personal relationships between key persons in the history of linguistics and biology, allowing them to explain the co-development of theories in the two disciplines.
Scientific Background:
The international conference is organized as part of the research project Classification and Evolution in Biology, Linguistics and the History of Science, which is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). Organizers intend to encourage further exchange between scholars from the sciences and humanities. Participants will explore in detail, whether networks instead of pedigree models can provide a more appropriate model of development, enabling us to describe processes in both the sciences and the humanities.
Renowned biologists, linguists, historians and philosophers of science will present current research and engage in discussion. Presentations by scholars from nine countries will include the following topics:
- The role of lateral gene transfer in prokaryote evolution
- Phylogenetic classifications and network approaches in linguistics
- Exchange of concepts and practices between disciplines
Location: Ulm University, Wissenschaftszentrum Schloss Reisensburg (near Guenzburg)
Registration Details:
Those who are interested in attending the meeting should send an e-mail to thorsten.hallinguni-ulm.de by May 24 to register (there is no registration fee)
Limited funds to help offset travel and accommodation costs are available. Please indicate if you would like to be considered for a bursary.
Call for Papers:
Poster proposals from graduate students and post-doctoral scholars (Doktoranden/Habilitanden) from biology, linguistics and history and philosophy of science are invited. Posters should address evolution, classification or network approaches in one of those disciplines. Comparative and interdisciplinary approaches are especially encouraged. Presenters will discuss the results of their case studies with participants from the international scientific community.
Submission Details:
The conference language is English.
Abstracts must be sent to thorsten.hallinguni-ulm.de by no later than April 30 2011. Speakers will be notified of the results of their abstract review by 10 May.
Authors are asked to submit their abstracts as an e-mail attachment (word /pdf format). Abstracts should be no longer than one page, in 12-point type.
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