Public Reason and Values in Science: Theoretical Challenges and Solutions

Public Reason and Values in Science: Theoretical Challenges and Solutions

Room ER143, Elvet Riverside 1, 83 New Elvet, Durham, DH1 3JT

Tuesday 4^th June 2024, 15:30-17:00

Public reason, which requires adopting rules justifiable to all under their authority, is essential for justice in liberal democracies. A core concept in political philosophy’s liberal tradition, there is growing interest in connecting the idea of public reason to ongoing discussions concerning values in science. While integrating public reason into these discussions can help bridge the gap between political philosophy and work in values in science, the lack of focus on science in the political philosophy literature leaves many foundational questions unanswered. Should public reason regulate how science is conducted, and if so, in what ways? Does public reason impose duties on members of the scientific community? If so, what are the duties, and to whom do they apply? In this paper, I demonstrate how philosophers of science can use aspects of the nature of public reason to help resolve these and other foundational questions.

The seminar is free and open to all. No need to register, just turn up!