In the next Perspectives on Science seminar, Inkeri Koskinen (University of Helsinki) will give a talk on “Unifying the notion of objectivity“.

The seminar takes place in hybrid format in person and online via Zoom from 14:15 to 15:45 on Monday the 8th of May 2023. To join the seminar, please contact jessica.north@helsinki.fi for the location or Zoom invitation.

Perspectives on Science is a weekly research seminar which brings together experts from science studies and philosophy of science. It is organized by TINT – Centre for Philosophy of Social Science at the University of Helsinki. More information about the seminar here.

Abstract:

Several philosophers of science have recently attempted to bring some unity to the notion of objectivity. These attempts typically start from the observation that there seem to be several distinct meanings of objectivity, and continue by arguing that these meanings have more in common than has been recognised in the recent literature. I will discuss three recent examples: Koskinen (2020), Wilholt (2022), and Hoyningen-Huene (2023). Others, most recently Thresher, Montuschi, Cartwright, Hardie, and Soleiman (2022), have argued that the conceptual heterogeneity is unavoidable. I will compare and contrast these accounts, focusing on their aims. And I will argue that if it is possible to bring some unity to the notion of objectivity, it will be by developing a general description of its use.

Author bio:

Inkeri Koskinen is a philosopher of science working as an Academy of Finland Research Fellow in Practical philosophy, University of Helsinki.