Philosophy 211ob - Topics in Science and Society: Objectivity

Beyond the vague idea that scientific, claims, methods and results should not be "influenced" by particular perspectives, the notion of objectivity in the sciences has proven difficult to characterize. How should scientific objectivity be defined? Is it desirable? To what extent can scientists achieve it? What are the consequences for society of different conceptions of scientific objectivity? This course explores
these and other questions through examination of past and current scientific practice. Enrollment limited to 40.