Rethinking Ethnography for Philosophy of Science. Issue 4 (11th October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nersessian, Nancy J.; MacLeod, Miles
• Is Part Of: Philosophy of science. Volume 89:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 721
• Page End: 741
• Publication Date: 2022-10-11
• Subjects: Science -- Periodicals; Science -- Philosophy; Science; Science -- Philosophy; Philosophie des sciences; Epistemology; Periodicals; 501
• DOI: 10.1017/psa.2022.8
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1539-767X

Abstract

Abstract: We lay groundwork for applying ethnographic methods in philosophy of science. We frame our analysis in terms of two tasks: (1) to identify the benefits of an ethnographic approach in philosophy of science and (2) to structure an ethnographic approach for philosophical investigation best adapted to provide information relevant to philosophical interests and epistemic values. To this end, we advocate for a purpose-guided form of cognitive ethnography that mediates between the explanatory and normative interests of philosophy of science, while maintaining openness and independence when framing such an investigation to achieve robust unbiased results.