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
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Hicks, Daniel hicks.daniel.j@gmail.com
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
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
Date:	2015
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/11323

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