CFP: Objectivity across the Sciences

Objectivity is an important topic in the philosophy of science with implications for many debates, including scientific confirmation, scientific realism, measurement, values in science, and theory choice. However, defining scientific objectivity is not easy. Its meaning varies radically from different contexts. Objectivity can be a property of a product of science (e.g. scientific claims), or of a process of science (e.g. scientific methods). It can also be a virtue or ideal of scientific practice. This conference aims to examine the notion of objectivity across the natural and social sciences. In particular, it will scrutinise the nature, role, and significance of objectivity in scientific practice.

Questions to be addressed include but are not limited to:

• What is scientific objectivity?
• Is there a monistic account of objectivity across the sciences?
• Is objectivity a virtue of science?
• Is objectivity in science attainable?
• Does a pursuit of objectivity in science imply a value-free ideal of science?
• Should we stop talking of objectivity in science?

Selected papers will be included in an edited volume to be published by Springer (part of the Asian Studies in the Philosophy of Science).

Submission Guidelines

Please submit a 500-word abstract for blind review via Oxford Abstracts (https://app.oxfordabstracts.com/stages/83122/submitter) by 31 December 2026.

Contact

If you have any questions, please contact Qiyue Zhang ([email protected]).