2017 Wilkins–Bernal–Medawar Lecture: Why philosophy of science matters to science

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

In an era where science is increasingly specialised, what is the value of interdisciplinary research? I argue that research across disciplinary boundaries plays a pivotal role in scientific inquiry, and it has a threefold value: it is exploratory; it is unifying; and it offers critical engagement. Philosophy of
science is an interesting example of interdisciplinary research at the junction between the sciences and the humanities. What good can philosophy of science do for science? Despite anecdotal reports to the contrary, philosophy of science can in fact do important work for science. When it comes to critical engagement, I highlight what I call the social function of philosophy of science and I illustrate it with three examples taken from contemporary debates about evidence, progress, and truth in science. A socially responsible philosophy of science—which is not afraid to speak up for evidence, progress, and truth in science—best serves the needs of science in a tolerant, pluralist, and democratic society.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)353-367
JournalNotes and Records: The Royal Society Journal of the History of Science
Volume73
Issue number3
Early online date28 Nov 2018
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2019
EventRoyal Society Wilkins-Bernal-Medawar 2017 Medal Lecture - Royal Society, London
Duration: 21 May 2018 → …

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • philosophy of science
  • interdisciplinary research
  • evidence
  • truth
  • progress in science
  • Kant
  • progress
  • Newton

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