Course Description
Both epistemic (knowledge-related) and non-epistemic values (e.g., political and economic ones) play a role in science. Ideally, we wish science to be free of certain non-epistemic values. For instance, we do not want political orientation to strongly influence one’s research. On the other hand, we want and expect scientists to follow certain ethical values. We will first analyze the interplay between complex networks of values in science. Then, we will zoom in on values important for increasing the global pool of scientific knowledge such as diversity. Diversity of thoughts and approaches contributes to exploring a wider epistemic space. In other words, using diverse methods allows us to find creative solutions outside the mainstream. Yet, in order to profit from diversity, appropriate ways of including different expertise are needed. We will present how group structure and degrees of diversity influence the exploration of epistemic space based on the results of agent-based models.
In the afternoon session, our goal is to identify ways of fostering epistemic inclusion for research. Participants will reflect on examples of important research by underprivileged scientists and their experience of the academic culture. We will build a suggestion map for its improvement.
Prerequisites
Think of an example of research from underprivileged researchers that later became very important in your field.
Reading Materials
Sikimić, V. (2023). Epistemic Inclusion as the Key to Benefiting from Cognitive Diversity in Science. Social Epistemology, 37(6), 753-765. https://doi.org/10.1080/02691728.2023.2258831
Zollman, K. J. (2010). The epistemic benefit of transient diversity. Erkenntnis, 72(1), 17-35. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10670-009-9194-6
Optional readings
Longino H. (1990). Science as social knowledge: values and objectivity in scientific inquiry. Princeton University Press. Chapter 4: Values and objectivity, and chapter 5: Values and science. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctvx5wbfz
Sikimić, V., & Herud-Sikimić, O. (2022). Modelling efficient team structures in biology. Journal of Logic and Computation, 32(6), 1109-1128. https://doi.org/10.1093/logcom/exac021
Sikimić, V., Nikitović, T., Vasić, M., & Subotić, V. (2021). Do Political Attitudes Matter for Epistemic Decisions of Scientists?. Review of Philosophy and Psychology, 12, 775-801. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13164-020-00504-7
Capacity
This course has a maximum capacity of 25 participants.
Time and Location
This workshop will be held on-site only at Eindhoven University of Technology on April 26. Details will be provided to all attendees over email after registration for the workshop.
Workshops start from 9:30 to 17:00 with a lunch break from 12:30 to 14:00. Lunch will not be provided but can be purchased at the university canteen or the on-campus supermarket.
Registration
To register for this workshop, please complete the following form by April 5th. Note that your registration will be considered finalized only after receiving a confirmation email.
Registration Form
Instructors
dr. Vlasta Sikimić
Vlasta Sikimić is an Assistant Professor of Philosophy of Science and a member of the Philosophy and Ethics group at Eindhoven University of Technology. Her research focus is on Social Epistemology of Science and Philosophy of AI in Science and Education.