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Inevitability, contingency, and epistemic humility.
1Department of Philosophy, Durham University, 50 Old Elvet, Durham, County Durham, DH1 3HN, United Kingdom.
Studies in History and Philosophy of Science
|January 17, 2016
Summary
Scientific outcomes are not predetermined. This study argues for epistemic humility, emphasizing the contingent nature of scientific discovery and its implications for the history of science.
Area of Science:
- Philosophy of Science
- History of Science
- Epistemology
Background:
- The debate on scientific inevitability versus contingency lacks a robust epistemological framework.
- Existing stances often exhibit epistemic hubris, overlooking the role of chance and context.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose an epistemological framework for analyzing the inevitability-contingency debate in science.
- To advocate for epistemic humility in understanding scientific progress.
- To explore the scope and strength of contingentism in scientific inquiry.
Main Methods:
- Philosophical analysis of epistemological stances.
- Examination of historiographical considerations.
- Development of a framework for contingentism.
Main Results:
- Inevitabilist perspectives in science are characterized by epistemic hubris.
- The crucial aspect of scientific progress lies in understanding the scope and strength of contingentism.
- Deep contingencies in scientific development can be identified and analyzed.
Conclusions:
- Adopting epistemic humility is essential for critically reflecting on the contingency of scientific results.
- The framework supports a more nuanced understanding of scientific history and practice.
- Recognizing contingency enriches the study of science and its historical development.
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