CfA: Understanding Scientific Disagreement Workshop, University of Bologna, 23–24 September 2024

Disagreement is ubiquitous: people, including scientists in all fields of knowledge, disagree about a wide variety of topics—from mundane facts about what’s the best way to reach the airport, to complex matters such as the degree of reliability of climate models. Clearly, disagreement plays a crucial role in virtually all our intellectual practices and can have significant social implications.

Disagreement is a fundamental aspect of both scientific and mathematical practices. Whereas disagreement among scientists is often perceived as a sign of weakness or lack of objectivity, it is, in fact, an essential component that fosters the robustness and inclusivity of scientific inquiry. Moreover, understanding the role and epistemic significance of disagreement within scientific practices is crucial for improving the dissemination of scientific results and significantly impacts science education.

This workshop aims to delve into the nature of scientific disagreement and its broader societal implications. The literature on the topic is expanding, but some core epistemological features of disagreement remain unclear, particularly in scientific contexts.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
  • Epistemology of disagreement
  • Logic and formal models of disagreement
  • Scientific disagreement and public (dis)trust
  • Types of disagreements
  • Normative and epistemic significance of disagreement
  • Common misconceptions about scientific disagreement that contribute to science denialism
  • Case studies of disagreement in the sciences
Societal impact of scientific disagreement, including how it influences public perception of science and contributes to the erosion of scientific authority

We strive to create an interdisciplinary environment and highly value contributions from underrepresented groups.

The workshop is part of the PRIN–PNRR 2022 Funded Project “Understanding Scientific Disagreement and Its Impact on Society”, led by Filippo Ferrari (University of Bologna, PI) and Silvia De Toffoli (IUSS Pavia, Co-PI).


For information about the workshop visit: https://philevents.org/event/show/124650

Submission:

Please send an abstract of between 500 and 700 words by July 20 to Filippo Ferrari

We will notify authors about the acceptance of their abstracts by July 30.