Wilholt, Torsten (2021) Epistemic Interests and the Objectivity of Inquiry. [Preprint]

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Abstract

This paper advocates for making epistemic interests a central object of philosophical analysis in epistemology and philosophy of science. It is argued that the importance of epistemic interests derives from their fundamental importance for the notion of objectivity. Epistemic interests are defined as individuated by a set of objectives, each of which represents a dimension of the search for truth. Among these dimensions, specificity, sensitivity, and productivity (the rate at which results are delivered per unit of time) are discussed in detail. It is argued that the relevance of productivity is often overlooked in debates about the ends and means of science. A definition of the objectivity of inquiry is proposed that takes the notion of epistemic interest as its starting point.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Wilholt, Torsten torsten.wilholt@philos.uni-hannover.de 0000-0002-0729-5476
Keywords:	Science and values Objectivity Interests Productivity Epistemic Risks
Subjects:	General Issues > Science and Society General Issues > Social Epistemology of Science General Issues > Values In Science
Depositing User:	Dr. Torsten Wilholt
Date Deposited:	04 Nov 2021 04:37
Last Modified:	04 Nov 2021 04:37
Item ID:	19783
Subjects:	General Issues > Science and Society General Issues > Social Epistemology of Science General Issues > Values In Science
Date:	2021
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/19783

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• Epistemic Interests and the Objectivity of Inquiry. (deposited 04 Nov 2021 04:37) [Currently Displayed]
  • Epistemic Interests and the Objectivity of Inquiry. (deposited 05 Dec 2021 05:07)

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