Invitation to Lecture "The Faithfulness to Fact" Kimberly Ann Harris (University of Virginia)

We warmly invite you to the online lecture by Kimberly Ann Harris on "The Faithfulness to Fact" on 22 June 2023. The lecture will be held in English and will take place from 6 until 8 pm.

It is a mistake to believe that Du Bois was ultimately against values in science. Against the view he defends a value-free ideal, this lecture argues that he justifies a different norm for scientists—faithfulness to fact. This lecture identifies three non-epistemic values: identity, community, and concern for the future. First, Kimberley Ann Harris clarifies Du Bois's understanding of science. He distinguishes the human and natural sciences allowing for the possibility that he did not adopt a singular norm for scientists when one considers their methodological differences. Regarding the appropriate norm for social scientists, the lecture maintains that historians and sociologists remain faithful to fact, not value-free. Second, it gives an account of the truth-seekers he assigns to encourage public trust in science and enable the accessibility of scientifically acquired information. Truth seekers—the natural and human scientists, artists, prophets, and philosophers—are essential for realizing epistemic democracy.

To receive the Zoom link, please register with daniel.james@tu-dresden.de.

We look forward to your coming, an exciting lecture, and the exchange afterward!