[spsp-members] 6 Nov (Wed): Philosophy of Science, International Postdoc Forum

[Alan Love]

*6 November 2024, 12:15pm CST (UTC -6)*
*Quantifying the Human: Values in Measurement or Measuring Value?*
Cristian Larroulet Philippi, Gonville and Caius College, University of
Cambridge

*Abstract*: Quantitative measurement in the human sciences remains
controversial. Are depression scales, intelligence tests, etc. valid
measurement instruments? Do they deliver quantitative information? I
discuss two approaches for understanding practices of quantitative
measurement. One uses causal notions to characterize the attribute at stake
and it aims at standard epistemic desiderata in science (discovery,
explanation, prediction). A second approach uses the notion of value
(Hausman 2015) to make sense of quantification practices. This approach is
not designed for the testing of tentative concepts, but rather to
standardize political decision making. Still, it is the most plausible
candidate for making sense of some human sciences’ measurement practices as
quantifying anything.

*Commentator*: Dana Matthiessen, Minnesota Center for Philosophy of
Science, University of Minnesota

The International Postdoc Forum for the Philosophy of Science
<https://cla.umn.edu/mcps/research-programs/colloquia/international-postdoc-forum>
is organized by the Minnesota Center for Philosophy of Science
<https://cla.umn.edu/mcps> (MCPS). It showcases virtual research
presentations from international scholars with commentaries from local MCPS
community members. Presentations are by Zoom webinar. Please join our mailing
list <http://eepurl.com/dj3RlD>, email mcps at umn.edu, or go here
<https://cla.umn.edu/mcps/research-programs/colloquia/international-postdoc-forum>
for a link to attend.
--
Alan C. Love
Winton Chair in the Liberal Arts
<https://cla.umn.edu/news-events/news/alan-love-places-evo-devo-front-and-center>
Distinguished McKnight University Professor
<https://scholarswalk.umn.edu/faculty-awards/mcknight-awards/distinguished>
Department of Philosophy & Minnesota Center for Philosophy of Science
University of Minnesota
http://umn.edu/~aclove

*New Publications: *Cellular Self-Maintenance Drives the Evolution of
Tissues and Organs <https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202408.1769.v1>
(preprint); The Paradox of Predictability Provides a Bridge Between Micro-
and Macroevolution <https://doi.org/10.1093/jeb/voae103> (open access)
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