From Modelling Climate Change to Modelling Epidemics and Beyond: Moral-Epistemic Duties in Model Building

Eric Winsberg (University of South Florida)

Abstract

Models are used in fields such as pandemic control and climate science. They are used to evaluate what actions can be taken and what the likely advantages and disadvantages are. But some choices in modeling are not morally neutral, and these choices happen against a background of uncertainty. I will elaborate on the moral and epistemic duties we have when we create and use models. These will be illustrated using cases from fighting the covid pandemic and fighting the climate crisis. With this theme, we hope to appeal not only to philosophers and scientists but also to people who must make or undergo important decisions based on models

Programme

17:00 Introduction

17:05 Lecture

18:05 Discussion

18:30 Reception

About the lecture series

The Centre for Logic and Philosophy of Science organizes every two years the Herman Roelants Lecture on Science in honour of the founder of the centre, Prof. Herman Roelants, The upshot is to invite distinguished philosophers of science to give public lectures on science. The lectures are open to everyone and they are accessible to non-specialists as well.