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SUMMARY:Scientific pluralism and the mission of history and philosophy of 
 science - Hasok Chang (Department of History and Philosophy of Science)
DTSTART:20121011T154500Z
DTEND:20121011T170000Z
UID:TALK40270@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Helen Curry
DESCRIPTION:What is HPS for? Why do we need such a professional academic d
 iscipline? There are many ways of doing HPS and many functions it can serv
 e. However\, especially when we intend it as a separate discipline apart f
 rom general history\, general philosophy\, and science itself\, I believe 
 that HPS at its best is an expression of pluralism concerning science. The
  need for HPS in this mode arises from the tendency of modern science to a
 ssume that it is in possession of the one right way of studying nature tha
 t will eventually yield a uniquely correct and unchangeable body of knowle
 dge. Such an assumption can and should be countered both by philosophical 
 critique and historical awareness. HPS can promote a healthy pluralism con
 cerning science\, which holds that it is beneficial to maintain multiple s
 ystems of knowledge even within one field of study\, both for the distinct
 ive contributions that each system can make and for the benefits of intera
 ctions between different systems. This mission of HPS can be most effectiv
 ely achieved if history and philosophy work together\, each maintaining re
 spectful yet critical engagement with science itself. HPS practiced in thi
 s way\, which I call 'complementary science'\, can improve scientific know
 ledge by recovering forgotten knowledge from past science\, extending the 
 recovered knowledge\, and enhancing critical awareness. HPS can also contr
 ibute to the maturing of the role of science in society\, by helping scien
 ce move beyond monistic arrogance and enter into an open-minded and constr
 uctive engagement with other spheres of life. A full integration of HPS in
 to science education and public intellectual life would be a momentous ste
 p\, enabling the educated public to participate once again in the cultivat
 ion of our knowledge of the universe.
LOCATION:Mill Lane Lecture Room 3
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