RG XXI: Conferences on the History and Philosophy of Science
Historical Note
Efforts to organize Conferences on the History and Philosophy of Science were active from 1966 to 1969. The purpose of this two-conference series was to bring historians and philosophers of science together to consider common problems from their different perspectives. It was directed by I. Bernard Cohen for its duration.
The first conference was held on September 11-15, 1969 at the Minnesota Center for the Philosophy of Science at the University of Minnesota. Collected papers were published in 1970 as "Historical and Philosophical Perspectives of Science" and edited by Roger H. Steuwer. A second conference was held October 13-16, 1969. This conference was held jointly with the Institute of the History of the Science of Technology of the Soviet Academy of Sciences and focused on the role of the individual as a creative personality in the development of science, and the importance of social and economic factors in creativity and innovation. Soviet delegates were hosted October 13-16, 1969, culminating in the Soviet-American Conference on the History of Science on the evening of the final day, October 16, 1969.
Funding was provided by the U.S. National Committee for the History and Philosophy of Science.
Scope and Content
The series is contained within the Academy Archives’ Record Group XXI: Academy Projects and Programs. This series contains the administrative and conference records of the 1969 conferences organized by I. Bernard Cohen on the history and philosophy of science, with financial support from the Academy's Committee on Research Funds, 1967, 1969. The majority are records were created in 1969 by the executive office of John Voss and include a significant contribution from I. Bernard Cohen as Chair. Records are comprised of administrative files and conference files Included among administrative files are correspondence with participants. Included among conference planning files is correspondence with participants, papers presented, as well as agendas/programs.
Significant materials include drafts of papers presented as well as the itinerary of organized activities to entertain Soviet guests October 13-16, 1969.
At present, there is very little information in the files regarding the September 11-15, 1969 meeting held at the Minnesota Center for Philosophy of Science, nor is there anything at present identified related to any conferences held previously.
Arrangement
Processing for the series utilized MPLP principles, thus minimum preservation steps were taken, and folder titles listed in the finding aid are as they appear on the actual folders. Some files were created outside the filing system and were incorporated with like materials.
The series contains no subseries and is arranged chronologically.
Subjects
Cohen, I. Bernard, 1914-2003
Steuwer, Roger H.
Voss, John, 1917-
International Union of the History and Philosophy of Science. United States National Committee
Minnesota Center for Philosophy of Science
Soviet Academy of Sciences.Institute of the History of the Science of Technology.
Soviet-American Conference on the History of Science
Knowledge
Philosophy
Science--History
Science--Philosophy
Science--Study and teaching
ITEM LIST
Box 1
| Folder 1 | Conferences on the History and Philosophy of Science |
| Folder 2 | History of Science - IB Cohen 10/69 - Soviet American Conference, preliminary arrangements [1967, 1969] |
| Folder 3 | History and Philosophy of Science: Conference, September 11-15, 1969 |
| Folder 4 | History of Science - IB Cohen 10/69 - Soviet American Conference, Translators and Equipment [1969] |
| Folder 5 | History of Science - IB Cohen 10/69 - Soviet American Conference, expenses [1969] |
| Folder 6 | History of Science - IB Cohen 10/69 - Soviet American Conference, participants and agenda [1969] |
| Folder 7 | Soviet-Amerian Conference Participants [1969] |
| Folder 8 | Soviet-Amerian Conference Programs [1969] |