Heather Douglas: "Responsible Science in Democrative Societies"

[ereshefs at ucalgary.ca]

The HPS Research Group and the Philosophy Speakers Program presents

HEATHER DOUGLAS on "Responsible Science in Democrative Societies"

Location: Social Sciences Building, Room 1253

About the Talk
Science performs a valuable role in democratic societies. When functioning
well, it provides a reliable (albeit uncertain and defeasible) source of
empirical knowledge. This knowledge crucially shapes our understanding of
ourselves, the world in which we live, our policy options for collective
decisions, and our sense of responsibility. But it is neither
value-neutral nor always correct. And scientists do not just serve this
role; they also are citizens of countries and part of the human community.
Given these complexities, how are we to structure the ideals for the
practices of scientists in democratic societies? What should we expect of
our scientists in their choices and their communications? And how should
we structure or alter our institutions to assist scientists in being
responsible?

About the Speaker:
Heather Douglas is an Associate Professor of Philosophy and the Chair in
Science and Society at the University of Waterloo, Ontario. She received
her PhD from the History and Philosophy of Science Department at the
University of Pittsburgh. Her work has been supported by the National
Science Foundation.  Her publications include Science, Policy, and the
Value-Free Ideal (University if Pittsburgh Press, 2009).