I write this anonymously, to help curate ideas that I think matter.

If you have comments or suggestions, please reach out to me either by email, as Philscipolicy@gmail.com, or on Twitter, at @philscipolicy.

My profile picture on twitter is of the Vienna Circle’s Rudolf Carnap, shown above. Carnap and other logical empiricists strongly shaped modern philosophy of science after they emigrated to the United States before World War II. I use the photo as an homage to their vision to have philosophy engage with science/society, through activities such as the Unity of Science movement, and deep engagement with the science of their day. It was a proactive and holistic effort to engage with science in ways that might eventually benefit society. George Reisch well summarizes the political vision of the logical empiricists in his book, “How the Cold War Transformed Philosophy of Science: To the Icy Slopes of Logic.“ He argues that the Cold War deterred philosophers of science from this vision, becoming more detached from society. Philosophy of science has only recently started working to overcome since the rise of feminist philosophy of science in the 1980s and 1990s. Such insights and critical reflection still need to shape actual science practice, and engaging with science policy is a key way to embolden that culture change.

I’m experimenting with sending out occasional newsletters with #philscipolicy focused policy news. If you’re an interested science policy practitioner or philosopher and want to receive it, shoot me an email, with an explanation on your interest.