Idealization and Values in Policymaking Workshop

Idealization and Values in Policymaking Workshop

Colorado State University

April 16-17, 2026

Scientific models play a crucial role in many policymaking decisions. Underlying the use of these models for policymaking purposes is the extensive use of idealization and values. This interdisciplinary workshop seeks to investigate the roles that idealization, values, and models play in scientific policymaking and how their contributions are assessed and managed. The workshop will bring together philosophers and scientists working at the intersections of these areas in the hopes of bridging gaps between the scientific modeling literature, literatures surrounding the role of values in science, and discussions of science-based policy construction. Selected papers from this workshop may be included in a planned edited volume (or special issue) at a later date.

Invited Speakers:

Wendy Parker (Virginia Tech)

Jay Odenbaugh (Lewis and Clark)

Yasha Rohwer (Oregon Tech)

Piper Sledge (Arizona)

Gabriele Contessa (Carleton)

Organizer: Collin Rice (Colorado State University)

Submission Guidelines:

All submissions must be uploaded here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScuIuxqUpCJraiXEne0z0JtE9sld-1JcA8dRjmtDYEalq1BSQ/viewform?usp=header

Please submit the following by December 15th, 2025:

1. Name and affiliation
2. Title of your talk
3. Abstract (max. 350 words)

Notification:
Contributed speakers will be notified by January 15th, 2026.

Feel free to circulate this CFA among colleagues and students who may be interested. We look forward to your submissions