Performative paternalism
1Centre for Ethics and Law in the Life Sciences (CELLS), Philosophische Fakultät, Leibniz University of Hannover, Otto-Brenner-Strasse 1, 30159 Hannover, Germany.
European Journal for Philosophy of Science
|April 17, 2025
Summary
Scientists should not deliberately use performative science models to change systems. This paper argues that such manipulation is not always paternalistic and can be justified when unavoidable, using climate change as an example.
Area of Science:
- Philosophy of Science
- Science and Society
Background:
- Performativity of science describes how scientific ideas can influence their subjects.
- A common view holds that scientists should avoid intentionally using performative models to alter target systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the ethical concerns surrounding performative science, particularly autonomy-infringing paternalism.
- To critique existing responses to these concerns.
- To propose that system manipulation is not inherently paternalistic and can be justifiable.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of performativity and paternalism in science.
- Development of a taxonomy of harms associated with autonomy-infringing paternalism.
- Case study generalization from international climate change coordination modeling.
Main Results:
- The received view against deploying performative models is defended as a concern about paternalism.
- Existing literature offers unsatisfactory responses to the ethical challenges of performative science.
- Manipulation of target systems can be unproblematic and, when paternalistic, is sometimes justifiable.
Conclusions:
- The ethical permissibility of scientific performativity depends on context and justification.
- A nuanced approach is needed to evaluate the use of performative models in science.
- The findings have implications for scientific practice, particularly in areas like climate change policy.
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