Hicks, Daniel (2015) Epistemological Depth in a GM Crops Controversy. [Preprint]
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Abstract
This paper examines the scientific controversy over the yields of genetically modified [GM] crops as a case study in *epistemologically deep* disagreements. Appeals to ''the evidence'' are inadequate to resolve such disagreements; not because the interlocutors have radically different metaphysical views (as in cases of incommensurability), but instead because they assume rival epistemological frameworks and so have incompatible views about what kinds of research methods and claims *count as* evidence. Specifically, I show that, in the yield debate, proponents and opponents of GM crops cite two different sets of claims as evidence, which correspond to two rival epistemological frameworks, classical experimental epistemology and Nancy Cartwright's evidence for use. I go on to argue that, even if both sides of the debate accepted Cartwright's view, they might still disagree over what counts as evidence, because evidence for use ties standards of evidence to what is sometimes called the ''context of application.''
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| Item Type: | Preprint | ||||||
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| Additional Information: | Forthcoming in Studies in History and Philosophy of Biological and Biomedical Sciences | ||||||
| Keywords: | genetically modified organisms; GMO; feed the world; evidence; scientific controversies; Nancy Cartwright; controlled experiments | ||||||
| Subjects: | Specific Sciences > Biology > Molecular Biology/Genetics General Issues > Confirmation/Induction Specific Sciences > Economics General Issues > Science and Society General Issues > Values In Science |
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| Depositing User: | Dan Hicks | ||||||
| Date Deposited: | 15 Feb 2015 22:26 | ||||||
| Last Modified: | 15 Feb 2015 22:26 | ||||||
| Item ID: | 11323 | ||||||
| Subjects: | Specific Sciences > Biology > Molecular Biology/Genetics General Issues > Confirmation/Induction Specific Sciences > Economics General Issues > Science and Society General Issues > Values In Science |
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| Date: | 2015 | ||||||
| URI: | https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/11323 |
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