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Science and Values

Module description

In this module, we examine the relationship between the production and dissemination of scientific knowledge and the values and social dynamics that govern contemporary society. Drawing on different scholarly traditions, such as feminist philosophy and sociology of science, we consider whether science (should) operate independently from socio-political assumptions and ideals. We also investigate the connection between science and democracy, analysing issues such as science denialism, conspiracy theories, and the idea of “democratic” science. The module is highly recommended for interdisciplinary pathways, and it is suitable for non-specialist students interested in the social and political dimensions of science.

Module aims - intentions of the module

In this module, we investigate the relationship between science, socio-political values, and democracy. Students will gain comprehensive knowledge of central issues in the philosophy and sociology of science, such as the question of what makes science objective and what socio-political values should guide scientific knowledge. Students will develop the capacity to assess arguments and positions, as well as to develop original arguments in written form. More generally, students will acquire sophisticated conceptual tools to analyse current events and movements, such as science denialism and the commercialization of medical knowledge. 

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Demonstrate understanding of key issues in the contemporary debate over science and values
• 2. Critically examine the central positions and arguments concerning values in science and democracy
• 3. Demonstrate competency in applying concepts and theories to case-studies

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. Demonstrate an excellent understanding of sociological distinctions, concepts, and how they apply to real-world cases
• 5. Demonstrate competency in critically evaluating sociological positions, arguments, and methods

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 6. Demonstrate clear and concise writing
• 7. Demonstrate competency in integrating, synthesizing, and applying new knowledge
• 8. Engage in independent research, within a limited time frame, to develop original positions and arguments

Syllabus plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics: 

• The Value-Free Ideal of Science
• What makes Science objective?
• Why Science is Value-Laden: Underdetermination, Uncertainty, and Diversity
• What Values should influence Science?
• Science and Democracy: Should science be democratic? Should democracy defend science?
• When should we suspend trust and deny science?

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Re-assessment takes place when the summative assessment has not been completed by the original deadline, and the student has been allowed to refer or defer it to a later date (this only happens following certain criteria and is always subject to exam board approval). For obvious reasons, re-assessments cannot be the same as the original assessment and so these alternatives are set. In cases where the form of assessment is the same, the content will nevertheless be different.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Douglas, H. (2009). Science, policy, and the value-free ideal. University of Pittsburgh Pre.

Elliott, K. C. (2017). A tapestry of values: An introduction to values in science. Oxford University Press.

Elliott, K. C., & Steel, D. (Eds.). (2017). Current controversies in values and science. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.

Kitcher, P. (2003). Science, truth, and democracy. Oxford University Press.

Longino, H. E. (2018). The fate of knowledge. Princeton University Press.

Oreskes, N. (2021). Why trust science?. Princeton University Press.

Key words search

Science; values; democracy