[Ssnet_list] CFP: Evidence in Context: HAPSAT 5th Annual Conference (fwd)

[Science Studies Network]

***** Deadline is extended to March 22. *****


On Saturday, May 23, 2009 HAPSAT, the Graduate Student Society at the Institute 
for the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology at the University of 
Toronto, will host its fifth annual conference, /Evidence in Context/.

The concept of evidence has emerged as a central theme in both the history and 
philosophy of science and in science and technology studies. Historically, 
disputes over standards of evidence have been investigated for a wide variety 
of sciences. From particle physics to paleontology, from cancer to climate 
change, historical investigations into the constantly negotiated boundaries of 
scientific evidence have shaped the history of science as a continuous struggle 
to determine what, precisely, is required to establish scientific fact. In 
philosophy of science, classical notions of evidence in epistemology have been 
recently challenged as inadequate for dealing with the practical challenges 
facing contemporary policy makers. Thus, philosophers have called for accounts 
of evidence that are more relevant to the development, reform, and refinement 
of policy and practice.

The Keynote Speaker for this year is *Kathleen Okruhlik*, The University of 
Western Ontario.

We welcome papers addressing, but not limited to, the following questions:

·     How can philosophical notions of evidence inform public policy?
·     What is evidence for movements such as Evidence-Based Medicine?
·     How are evidence and standards of evidence negotiated by scientists?
·     How have notions of evidence changed throughout history?
·     How do standards of evidence relate to disciplinary boundaries?
·     How should contradictory evidence be resolved?
·     How have social, cultural, and economic contexts shaped standards of 
evidence?
·     What is the role of the public in evaluating evidence in scientific 
controversies?
·     How do disputes about standards of evidence relate to the issue of trust 
in science?

We invite graduate students and recent graduates working in fields such as HPS, 
STS, history, sociology, philosophy, anthropology and gender studies and law to 
submit paper and panel proposals that critically engage with this theme. For 
papers please email abstracts of up to 250 words to HAPSAT at gmail.com 
<mailto:HAPSAT at gmail.com> by *March 22, 2009* and for panels please email a 
document with a 250 word abstract describing the panel as a whole in addition 
to individual abstracts for each paper (also 250 words). Each presenter will be 
given 20 minutes.

We hope to be able to offer billeting and small travel subsidies for graduate 
students traveling to Toronto for the conference. Please note that /Evidence in 
Context/ is scheduled for the weekend right before CSHPS (Ottawa). Those 
interested in both conferences should contact us to take advantage of group 
travel from Toronto to Ottawa.
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