Soshichi Uchii

What brought you to work or get interested in the Congress’ fields?

I was an engineering student at Kyoto University, when I first got interested in logic and the philosophy of science. Then I was ­inspired by Hans Reichenbach’s book, “The rise of scientific ­philosophy”(1951, Japanese translation, 1954), and I decided to become a researcher in this field. This book completely changed my view of philosophy, which I had regarded as an abstruse and obscure subject. After earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering, I re-entered the same university (as a junior student), this time, in order to study philosophy. However, this was only a necessary step for continuing my research in the United States which, after the World War II, became the center for studying philosophy of science.

What has your participation to the Congress brought you?

Visiting Nancy and participating in the Congress was a great ­enjoyment. I have learned some new trends in several specific fiel­ds, and renewed my acquaintance with a number of good scholars.
I am proud that I have worked on the Executive Committee for this organization (DLMPS), having seen that the Congress was a great success. I also enjoyed seeing some parts of Lorraine and its culture.

What is your opinion about your portrait?

The portrait (monochrome) reminded me that I became a “funny old man”; this does not mean that I don’t like it. It seems that I have contributed something to the artistic flavor of the photo.
A professional portrait is indeed different from our own ­snapshots!  Thanks to Olivier Toussaint.

Soshichi Uchii - Kyoto University