New call for papers

Call for Papers

We invite submissions for an upcoming special issue of Lato Sensu on "Objectivity in the Sciences." For a long time, the notion of objectivity was regarded as the essence of a proper scientific method: the scientists were expected to leave their ‘subjective’ beliefs at the door and handle evidences in an ‘objective’ manner. The recognition of the collective dimension of science, of the impact of community interests or biases on scientific inquiry, the ever-growing role of technologies in data production (instruments, artificial intelligence), and the importance attached to expert judgement have profoundly altered the perception of the ‘scientific subject’ and their purported neutrality. Objectivity is therefore called into question as a cardinal value of epistemology. Yet, it retains a central place in the sciences.

We expect contributions to explore these different avenues: by analyzing the concept of ‘Objectivity’ as it is put to use in the special sciences; by clarifying its place within general epistemology; by exploring the philosophical foundations, practical applications, and ethical consequences of objectivity within different scientific disciplines. Submissions may also address but are not limited to: historical perspectives on objectivity, challenges to the notion of objectivity in contemporary science, the role of values in scientific objectivity, and strategies to foster the emergence of more robust forms of ‘objectivity’ in research practices.

 

Some possible themes:

1. The nature of objectivity and its philosophical underpinnings.

2. Epistemic challenges to achieving objectivity in scientific inquiry.

3. The influence of social, cultural, and political factors on scientific objectivity; and ethical considerations in balancing objectivity with societal values and interests.

4. The role of instruments, measurement, quantification, and experimentation in enhancing objectivity.

5. Critics (e.g. from a feminist perspective) of objectivity.

6. Practical strategies for mitigating bias and enhancing objectivity in scientific research.

7. Objectivity and Artificial Intelligence.

 

We welcome interdisciplinary perspectives and encourage submissions from philosophers, scientists, and scholars from related fields.

Deadline for submissions: December 31, 2024.

Please visit journal website for submission guidelines.

This CFP follows the first SPS summer school which was held in September 2023 in Saint-Raphaël, France. However, this special issue is open to all contributions on the topic.

 

Editors of the special issue

Antoine Brandelet (Mons University, Belgium)

Kevin Chalas (UCLouvain, Belgium)

Mathilde Escudero (ENS-PSL, France)

Thierry Hoquet (Paris Nanterre University, France)