Roger Strand

Can agent-based models assist decisions on large-scale practical problems? a philosophical analysis

The use of predictive agent-based models as decision assisting tools in practical problems has been proposed. This article aims at a theoretical clarification of the conditions for such use under what has been called post-normal problems, characterized by high stakes, high and possibly irreducible uncertainties, and high systemic complexity. Our argument suggests that model validation is often impossible under post-normal conditions; however, predictive models can still be useful as learning devices (heristic purposes, formal Gedanken experiments). In this case, micro-structurally complex models are to be preferred to micro-structurally simple ones; this is illustrated by means of two examples.

Conversations About Responsible Nanoresearch

There is currently a strong focus on responsible research in relation to the development of nanoscience and nanotechnology. This study presents a series of conversations with nanoresearchers, with the ‘European Commission recommendation on a code of conduct for responsible nanosciences and nanotechnologies research’ (EC-CoC) as its point of departure. Six types of reactions to the document are developed, illustrating the diversity existing within the scientific community in responses towards this kind of new approaches to governance. Three broad notions of responsible nanoresearch are presented. The article concludes by arguing that while the suggestion put forward in the EC-CoC brings the concept of responsible nanoresearch a long way, one crucial element is to be wanted, namely responsible nanoresearch as increased awareness of moral choices.

Change and commitment: beyond risk and responsibility

Risk and responsibility have always been linked philosophically in the Western tradition. The purpose of this article is to discuss possible alternatives to the centrality of the risk discourse, arguing that such alternatives call for a revision in the concept of responsibility, decoupling it from the aspirations of control over Nature and the future. It implies also a more complex relation between knowledge and action. Rather than believing that contemporary global challenges will be sufficiently met by being responsible under risk, we will explore how to stay committed in times of uncertainty and change.

Naivety in the molecular life sciences

Abstract In the 20th century, molecular life sciences have become a major arena of scientific and technological innovation. The rate of progress, especially within gene technology, clearly indicates that molecular life sciences will give rise to new (technological) opportunities and (environmental and human) problems in the future. The main claim of this paper is that certain problems arising from the use of life science technology are connected to the epistemological problems of life science knowledge, and in particular the problem of justifying biological relevance of in vitro experimental evidence. Thus, epistemological naivety leads to political naivety with regard to the possible consequences of introducing new technology, for instance by believing that in vivo uncertainty based on in vitro evidence can be properly managed by traditional risk assessment. In this situation, there is a need for post-normal perspectives to improve the understanding of the uncertainties and quality of molecular life science knowledge claims. Discussing a handful of cases, the paper aims at epistemological disillusion with respect to the molecular life sciences. Such a disillusion among scientists and lay people may be a necessary condition for the eventual management of the consequences of this part of science.

Knowledge and Power Exploring Unproductive Interplay Between Quantitative and Qualitative Researchers

This article is concerned with how the development of mixed methods research is influenced by the many aspects of human interplay occurring between researchers representing different disciplines. It examines findings from interviews, field notes, and written documentation from a case study involving a team of health science researchers doing mixed methods research on athletes with knee injuries. The researchers experienced that they did not succeed in integrating quantitative and qualitative data collected from this research. From the collected data, a multiplicity of forms of interplay is identified and discussed. The article suggests that more attention needs to be given to power relations as an important aspect of collaboration between researchers belonging to different epistemic cultures.

Why are there so many theories for sex, and what do we do with them?

It is widely known that there exists a multitude of possible explanations for the maintenance of sex; however, it is less clear how to handle such an explanatory pluralism. In this paper, we address one older and one more recent discussion on what might constitute a good theory for sex and find that they reflect a trade-off between maximizing the scientific virtues of generalism, realism, and precision. A historical analysis indicates that varying research interests and research backgrounds of the different biologists shape the trade-off. We use the reflection on the trade-offs in order to understand the existence of the diversity of theories in the field and discuss how to address the explanatory pluralism. We find that the existence of multiple theories for sex, that is, explanatory pluralism, is not surprising or embarrassing but can be seen as a resource. Still, it is important to clarify the possibilities of integration of different theories. Integration between certain theories might be complex, however, as they involve models and theories from different disciplines that have diverged historically in both conceptual and methodological aspects.

Models of governance for converging technologies

The development of converging technologies (CTs) closely interacting with the human body might become one of the great challenges for science and technology governance in the years to come. This paper compares the visions and recommendations on CT policies by Roco and Bainbridge with those of the high-level expert group in the EU (authored by Nordmann), and documents differences in their respective conceptualizations of uncertainty, complexity and the future. While Roco and Bainbridge argue for the urgency of technological development, Nordmann recommends a thorough social process of upstream public participation in the framing of the technological goals to be achieved. However, a tension is seen in the Nordmann report regarding the role of public resistance in the development of technology.

In vivo interpretation of in vitro effect studies with a detailed analysis of the method of in vitro transcription in isolated cell nuclei.

In vitro experimental approaches are of central importance to contemporary molecular and cellular biology and toxicology. However, the scientific value or impact of in vitro results depends on their relevance in vivo. In vitro effect studies address inobservable in vivo phenomena through experiments on analogous in vitro phenomena. We present a theoretical basis developed to evaluate the in vivo relevance of in vitro effect studies. As a case study, the procedure for measuring specific gene transcription in isolated cell nuclei (“nuclear run-off method”) is analyzed It is concluded that current evidence fails to justify in vivo interpretations of nuclear run-off experiments within the framework of theoretical models of transcription, implying that quantitative in vivo interpretations are unwarranted. Qualitative interpretations of nuclear run-off experiments may be justified by inferring “the best explanation”, especially when significant in vitro effects follow in vivo perturbations.Elements of a general theory are proposed. It is concluded that quantitative in vivo interpretations are warranted primarily in biochemical quantitation of biomolecules, while studies on biological function should be interpreted qualitatively in terms of causal explanations. Inferences to the best explanations are strengthened through additional evidence and the creation of experimental differences (effects).

The Walkshop Approach to Science and Technology Ethics

In research and teaching on ethical aspects of emerging sciences and technologies, the structure of working environments, spaces and relationships play a significant role. Many of the routines and standard practices of academic life, however, do little to actively explore and experiment with these elements. They do even less to address the importance of contextual and embodied dimensions of thinking. To engage these dimensions, we have benefitted significantly from practices that take us out of seminar rooms, offices and laboratories as well as beyond traditional ways of working and interacting. We have called one such practice the ‘walkshop’. Through walkshops, we have spent several days walking together with our colleagues and students in open outdoor spaces, keeping a sustained intellectual discussion on ethical aspects of science, technology and innovation while moving through these landscapes. For us, this has generated useful opportunities to escape established hierarchies, roles and patterns of thought and to rethink conceptual and philosophical issues from new perspectives, under new attitudes and with renewed energy. In this paper we wish to highlight the potential benefits of the walkshop approach by sharing some of our experiences and describing how we have prepared for and carried out these events. We share this information in the hope that we may encourage others to both experiment with the walkshop approach and exchange information on their own innovative processes for research and teaching in science and engineering ethics.

Trust, Distrust and Co-production: The Relationship Between Research Biobanks and Donors

This chapter addresses one so-called ethical aspect of biobanking, namely the relationship between biobanks for research and donors of human biological samples and personal health information. Central to bioethical theory and practice is the institution of informed consent and its potential to create trust. We present results from an observational study of the consent process during the recruitment to a local population DNA bank in Southern France as well as subsequent interviews with donors. Three types of donors were identified: (1) Persons holding a “natural trust” and who were quite uninterested in the information and consent procedure; (2) persons who expressed distrust, but nevertheless participated as donors; and (3) persons who appreciated the consent procedure as a sign of a well-organised institution. Although informed consent may appear partly irrelevant to the issue of trust for a large group of donors, we proceed to discuss the status and desirability of a strong focus on donors’ trust in biobank experts. Indeed, more symmetry and distrust may be a creative potential in the co-production of science and society in the biobank era.