Hicks, D. (2026) Pernicious diversity, neutrality, and right values. [Preprint]

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Abstract

Hicks (2011) presented a *problem of pernicious diversity*: Longino's account of objectivity appears to require actively cultivating racist and sexist scientists, with the example of Nazi race scientists. Hereditarianism in psychology and behavior genetics presents us with a concrete version of the problem. I argue that the most common response to the problem — appealing to Longino's uptake criterion — fails to adequately express what is objectionable about racist and sexist science. Instead, the problem with Nazis is that they are Nazis. They hold odious moral views, and this is sufficient grounds to marginalize them. I develop this argument through discussion of two conceptions of equality, and then consider an objection that marginalizing racist and sexist science would infringe on freedom of inquiry. I use this discussion to highlight the issue of value-*neutrality* in science, and close with a defense of "right values" approaches to values in science.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Hicks, D. hicks.daniel.j@gmail.com 0000-0001-7945-4416
Keywords:	values in science, diversity, hereditarianism, race science, freedom of inquiry
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Biology > Molecular Biology/Genetics General Issues > Feminist Approaches General Issues > Science and Society General Issues > Values In Science
Depositing User:	Dan Hicks
Date Deposited:	09 Mar 2026 13:54
Last Modified:	09 Mar 2026 13:54
Item ID:	28499
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Biology > Molecular Biology/Genetics General Issues > Feminist Approaches General Issues > Science and Society General Issues > Values In Science
Date:	2026
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/28499

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