Toward a Social Phliosophy of Science: Integrating Virtue Epistemology and STS

Abstract

This article looks at the sources of micro-tensions between the science and technology studies (STS) approach and a human perspective in virtue epistemology (VE), opening it to societal influence. It calls for a holistic approach that respects both the societal pull and the individual's moral compass in scientific activities. It ends up by pointing out the necessity of such a cross-cutting approach for a more ethically motivated and socially aware science, but it suggests an option of research to be carried out in the future about the incorporation of virtues in scientific practices and adapting science to society's needs. The review section of the literature is designed to develop concepts within the STS and VE, grounding them on seminal works from scholars like Bruno Latour, Thomas Kuhn and Donna Haraway. It sticks to things like paradigm shifts, Actor-Network Theory and "Cyborg Manifesto," among others, to stress the points of how science is linked to sociocultural systems. The paper provides the grounds for the link between ethics and scientific inquiry, arguing for a reflection of the intellectual virtues in scientific practice and suggesting a more diverse and inclusive scientific practice that is respectful of different values and standpoints.