Choice Group Seminar by Anna Alexandrova (University of Cambridge): ‘Are thick concepts admissible in science?’

Abstract: Some concepts – wellbeing, sustainability, resilience, inequality, mental health, even infrastructure – presuppose a value judgment. Philosophers call them thick for that reason. There is a lot of important knowledge to be had about phenomena denoted by thick concepts. But how should researchers handle them? I evaluate three options and articulate the underlying principles for choosing between them. The bottom line is thick concepts are admissible but there is no single correct method of incorporating them into science. This talk is based on joint work with Mark Fabian and Alessandra Basso.

Anna Alexandrova is a Professor in Philosophy of Science at the University of Cambridge.

This event will take place in person on LSE’s campus. However, those unable to attend in person will have the option of taking part online.

To join online just follow these instructions:

• Download Zoom
• Zoom link for this for this meeting: https://lse.zoom.us/j/6613924533 

Please note that these events are routinely recorded, with the edited footage being made publicly available on our website and YouTube channel. We will only record the audio, the slides and the speaker and will not include the Q&A section. However, any question asked during the talk itself will feature in the final edit.