The Role of Implicit Norms in Scientific Objectivity
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Abstract
In this work I argue for the importance of considering the role of implicit norms in practices within a notion of scientific objectivity. I begin by presenting the traditional notion of objectivity according to which science is objective insofar as it leads us to absolute representations of the world as it is “independent of our minds.” I then discuss the limitations of this view and introduce dialectical objectivity as an alternative. Dialectical objectivity is a matter of degree associated with the evolution of systems of commitments: a system is more objective the closer it is to reflective equilibrium. This alternative is promising; however, it leaves the role of implicit norms in practices uncertain. To strengthen it, I propose expanding the notion of reflective equilibrium to account for implicit norms and thereby better manage the biases associated with such norms.
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