Single Idea 22360

[catalogued under 2. Reason / A. Nature of Reason / 5. Objectivity]

Full Idea

According to the Value-Free Ideal, scientific objectivity is characterised by absence of contextual values and by exclusive commitment to epistemic values in scientific reasoning.

Gist of Idea

The Value-Free Ideal in science avoids contextual values, but embraces epistemic values

Source

Reiss,J/Spreger,J (Scientific Objectivity [2014], 3.1)

Book Reference

'Stanford Online Encyclopaedia of Philosophy', ed/tr. Stanford University [plato.stanford.edu], p.9


A Reaction

This seems appealing, because it concedes that we cannot be value-free, without suggesting that we are unavoidably swamped by values. The obvious question is whether the two types of value can be sharply distinguished.

Related Idea

Idea 19730 Epistemic virtues: love of knowledge, courage, caution, autonomy, practical wisdom... [Kvanvig]