An epistemology for democratic citizen science

Area of Science:

• Philosophy of Science
• Epistemology
• Scientific Knowledge Production

Background:

• Contemporary science relies on outdated notions of knowledge production, often based on naive realism.
• This leads to an overly competitive academic system prioritizing short-term efficiency over long-term productivity.
• Democratic citizen science offers a potential model for diversifying scientific inquiry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an alternative epistemology for scientific knowledge production.
• To highlight the role of diversity in scientific discovery.
• To advocate for a shift towards an ecological model of research and assessment.

Main Methods:

• Developing a new epistemology based on three pillars: perspectival realism, naturalistic process-based epistemology, and deliberative social practices.
• Focusing on cognitive and social processes that foster sustainable productivity and innovation.
• Proposing diverse, representative, and democratic research communities.

Main Results:

• The proposed epistemology broadens the focus from immediate research outcomes to the underlying cognitive and social processes.
• This approach facilitates sustainable long-term productivity and scientific innovation.
• It advocates for a fundamental shift in how scientific research is conducted and evaluated.

Conclusions:

• Adopting an ecological vision of science, prioritizing diversity, representation, and democratic practices in research communities.
• Moving away from an industrial model towards a more sustainable and innovative approach to knowledge production.
• Recognizing the crucial role of diverse perspectives in advancing scientific understanding.