Pernicious Diversity, Neutrality, and Right Values

Hicks (2011) presented a problem of pernicious diversity: Longino's account of objectivity appears to require actively cultivating racist and sexist scientists, with the example of Nazi race scientists. Hereditarianism in psychology and behavior genetics presents us with a concrete version of the problem. I argue that the most common response to the problem-appealing to Longino's uptake criterion-fails to adequately express what is objectionable about racist and sexist science. Instead, the problem with Nazis is that they are Nazis. They hold odious moral views, and this is sufficient grounds to marginalize them. I develop this argument through discussion of two conceptions of equality, and then consider an objection that marginalizing racist and sexist science would infringe on freedom of inquiry. I use this discussion to highlight the issue of value-neutrality in science, and close with a defense of "right values" approaches to values in science.