Knowledge Integration
http://hdl.handle.net/10012/11060
2024-03-29T11:16:13Z
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Pathways of Influence: Understanding the Impacts of Philosophy of Science in Scientific Domains
http://hdl.handle.net/10012/18237
Pathways of Influence: Understanding the Impacts of Philosophy of Science in Scientific Domains
Plaisance, Kathryn S.; Michaud, Jay; McLevey, John
Philosophy of science has the potential to improve scientific practice, science policy, and science education; moreover, recent research indicates that many philosophers of science think we ought to increase the broader impacts of our work. Yet, there is little to no empirical data on how we are supposed to have an impact. To address this problem, our research team interviewed 35 philosophers of science regarding the impact of their work in science-related domains. We found that face-to-face engagement with scientists and other stakeholders was one of the most – if not the most – effective pathways to impact. Yet, working with non-philosophers and disseminating research outside philosophical venues is not what philosophers are typically trained or incentivized to do. Thus, there is a troublesome tension between the activities that are likely to lead to broader uptake of one’s work and those that are traditionally encouraged and rewarded in philosophy (and which are therefore the most consequential for careers in philosophy). We suggest several ways that philosophers of science, either as individuals or as a community, can navigate these tensions.
This is a post-peer-review, pre-copyedit version of an article published in Synthese. The final authenticated version is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11229-020-03007-1
2021-03-22T00:00:00Z
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A Framework for Analyzing Broadly Engaged Philosophy of Science
http://hdl.handle.net/10012/18236
A Framework for Analyzing Broadly Engaged Philosophy of Science
Plaisance, Kathryn S.; Elliott, Kevin C.
Philosophers of science are increasingly interested in engaging with scientific communities, policy makers, and members of the public; however, the nature of this engagement has not been systematically examined. Instead of delineating a specific kind of engaged philosophy of science, as previous accounts have done, this article draws on literature from outside the discipline to develop a framework for analyzing different forms of broadly engaged philosophy of science according to two key dimensions: social interaction and epistemic integration. Clarifying the many forms of engagement available to philosophers of science can advance future scholarship on engagement and promote more strategic engagement efforts.
This article has been published in a revised form in Philosophy of Science https://doi.org/10.1086/713891. This version is free to view and download for private research and study only. Not for re-distribution, re-sale or use in derivative works. © 2021 copyright holder.
2022-01-01T00:00:00Z
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The Philosophy of Behavioral Biology
http://hdl.handle.net/10012/16044
The Philosophy of Behavioral Biology
Reydon, Thomas; Plaisance, Kathryn S.
This volume offers a broad overview of central issues in the philosophy of behavioral biology, addressing philosophical issues that arise from the most recent scientific findings in biological research on behavior. It thus exemplifies an approach to philosophy of science that is scientifically informed as well as interdisciplinary. Accordingly, it includes chapters by professional philosophers and philosophers of science, as well as practicing scientists.
The volume originates from the conference, “Biological Explanations of Behavior: Philosophical Perspectives”, held in Hannover, Germany, in June 2008. Participants in this conference represented the fields of behavioral genetics, evolutionary biology, cognitive science, philosophy of biology, philosophy of science, and communication studies. Conference presentations were organized into three main themes: explanations in behavioral genetics, developmental explanations of behavior, and the evolution of behavior. The book largely mirrors this organization, in addition to representing another theme in the philosophy of behavioral biology, namely neurobiological explanations of behavior. In what follows, we sketch out an overview of the book, both by describing some of the major themes and philosophical context, as well as providing detailed summaries of each of the chapters.
This is a post-peer-review, pre-copyedit version of a chapter published in Boston Studies in the Philosophy of Science.
2012-01-01T00:00:00Z
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Show me the numbers: a quantitative portrait of the attitudes, experiences, and values of philosophers of science regarding broadly engaged work
http://hdl.handle.net/10012/16043
Show me the numbers: a quantitative portrait of the attitudes, experiences, and values of philosophers of science regarding broadly engaged work
Plaisance, Kathryn S.; Graham, Alexander V.; McLevey, John; Michaud, Jay
Philosophers of science are increasingly arguing for the importance of doing scientifically- and socially-engaged work, suggesting that we need to reduce barriers to extra-disciplinary engagement and broaden our impact. Yet, we currently lack empirical data to inform these discussions, leaving a number of important questions unanswered. How common is it for philosophers of science to engage other communities, and in what ways are they engaging? What barriers are most prevalent when it comes to broadly disseminating one’s work or collaborating with others? To what extent do philosophers of science actually value an engaged approach? Our project addresses this gap in our collective knowledge by providing empirical data regarding the state of philosophy of science today. We report the results of a survey of 299 philosophers of science about their attitudes towards and experiences with engaging those outside the discipline. Our data suggest that a significant majority of philosophers of science think it is important for non-philosophers to read and make use of their work; most are engaging with communities outside the discipline; and many think philosophy of science, as a discipline, has an obligation to ensure it has a broader impact. Interestingly, however, many of these same philosophers believe engaged work is generally undervalued in the discipline. We think these findings call for cautious optimism on the part of those who value engaged work—while there seems to be more interest in engaging other communities than many assume, significant barriers still remain.
This is a post-peer-review, pre-copyedit version of an article published in Synthese. The final authenticated version is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11229-019-02359-7
2019-09-23T00:00:00Z