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Science, Biases, and the Threat of Global Pessimism
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 April 2022
Abstract
Philip Kitcher rejects the global pessimists' view that the conclusions reached in inquiry are determined by the interests of some segment of the population, arguing that only some inquiries, for example, inquiries into race and gender, are adversely affected by interests. I argue that the biases Kitcher believes affect such inquiries are operative in all domains, but the prevalence of such biases does not support global pessimism. I argue further that in order to address the global pessimists' concerns, the scientific community needs criticism from people with diverse interests and background assumptions.
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- Science and Values
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- Copyright © Philosophy of Science Association 2001
Footnotes
Each of the following provided me with feedback on this paper: Lori Nash, Marc Ereshefsky, Kristina Rolin, David Davies, Mark Migotti, Bob Ware, Melinda Hogan, and Sergio Sismondo. Earlier versions of this paper were presented to the Philosophy Departments at St. Mary's University, East Tennessee State University, and the University of British Columbia, and at the annual conference of the Canadian Philosophical Association, and the Biennial meeting of the Philosophy of Science Association.
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