Shaping biomedical objects across history and philosophy:a conversation with Hans-Jörg Rheinberger

Area of Science:

• Philosophy of Science
• History of Science
• Epistemology

Background:

• Introduces historical epistemology as a bridge between experimental laboratory work and philosophy.
• Highlights Hans-Jörg Rheinberger's contributions and career milestones.

Discussion:

• Explores how making sense of natural phenomena in the lab shapes the object of study.
• Connects experimental practice to the core of Rheinberger's research in life sciences history.

Key Insights:

• Experimental acts in the laboratory are central to constructing scientific knowledge.
• Rheinberger's work emphasizes the epistemologically demanding nature of constructing a history of life sciences.

Outlook:

• Encourages further philosophical and historical inquiry into experimental practices.
• Suggests the continued relevance of historical epistemology in understanding scientific development.