8 - History and Philosophy of Science Engaging the Public

Summary

We see a growing admonition that scholars ought to take their scholarship into action and even advocacy. Yet there is an assumption that engaging in such work does not find a comfortable home in the academic world. This chapter presents a model of Arizona State Univeristy (ASU) that embraces action and advocacy, as long as it is based on reflective pursuit of defined and justified social outcomes. Faculty members are encouraged to pursue “use-inspired” as well as “curiosity-driven” research. The approach encourages a type of work discussed here, in which history and philosophy of science joins bioethics to inform understanding and action in the world today. In particular, the chapter discusses my own individual work and more importantly also the implications of the ASU approach for connecting research and education with social engagement through the example of the Embryo Project, which goes beyond what any one of us can do alone by drawing on collective action. Scholarship in action may proceed especially effectively through such shared efforts, which bring students as well as established researchers to collaborate toward shared goals grounded in rigorous scholarship.