We are happy to invite you to our open lecture on 17 March 2026 from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm CET
The open lecture is born to be a safe and friendly space for every student who wants to have a taste of one of our classes. The Master in Philosophy is glad to welcome you with the help of Prof. Øystein Linnebo and his lecture “Abstraction and abstract objects”.
Here is the abstract of the lecture:
"The language of mathematics abounds with apparent reference to abstract objects, such as sets, numbers, and directions. Are there really such objects? If so, what are these objects, and how are they related to abstraction operations? This opening lecture considers an Aristotelian approach to these questions, based on the idea that the world contains quantities, which come in different magnitudes. This idea is developed using mereology and an equivalence relation. The resulting account promises a pleasing unification of various kinds of magnitudes as well as good account of how mathematics is applied.”
Open lectures are held on campus for philosophy students and on Zoom for everyone. To attend either in presence or online, please register by filling out the form on this page.
If you choose to attend the lecture remotely, we will send you an email to the Zoom meeting a couple of hours before the event. Alternatively, if you prefer to join us on campus, please arrive 20 minutes early for check‑in.
Please note that participants attending on campus will be able to follow the open lecture in its entirety, until 18:15.
Master in Philosophy at USI
The Master in Philosophy offered in Lugano by the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) is a two-year graduate programme designed to provide students with a rigorous and comprehensive education in philosophy. It is one of the most advanced and innovative Master programmes in philosophy worldwide.
The programme is taught entirely in English and focuses on four core areas: Metaphysics, Philosophy of Mind, Logic, Philosophy of Physics.
The programme is characterized by its small class sizes and its emphasis on close interaction between students and faculty. Students can work closely with professors of international stature, both in seminars and in one-on-one tutorials.
Where to find us
The open lecture will take place in the Room "Multiuso" inside the Theology building on the Campus of the Università della Svizzera italiana. The exact address is via Buffi 13, Lugano (Switzerland).
Parking is very limited in the area, so we recommend using public transportation.
You can reach the university from Lugano train station in 8 minutes by taking bus number 6 in the direction of Cornaredo and getting off at the "Università" stop (you can find the bus schedule here).