The role of non-epistemic values in engineering models
Sven Diekmann1, Martin Peterson
1Department of Philosophy and Ethics, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands. s.diekmann@tue.nl
Science and Engineering Ethics
|August 9, 2011
Summary
Non-epistemic values, such as moral considerations, are crucial in developing scientific and engineering models. These values are as important as epistemic ones in model selection, challenging the idea of value-free science.
Area of Science:
- Philosophy of Science
- Engineering Ethics
- Model-Based Science
Background:
- Scientific and engineering models are often assumed to be free from non-epistemic values.
- The role of non-epistemic values, including moral considerations, in model construction and selection is frequently underestimated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To challenge the traditional view that non-epistemic values play only a secondary role in scientific and engineering modeling.
- To assert that non-epistemic values are as significant as epistemic values in the development of optimal models.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of the role of values in scientific and engineering practices.
- Argumentation based on the interplay between epistemic and non-epistemic values in model choice.
Main Results:
- Non-epistemic values are integral to the construction and selection of scientific and engineering models.
- These values are not merely tie-breakers but are fundamentally important alongside epistemic values.
Conclusions:
- Models in science and engineering are not value-free.
- The development of the best models necessitates the consideration of both epistemic and non-epistemic values.
- Rethinking the influence of values in scientific and engineering model development is essential.
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