The research group aims at integrating theoretical and practical elements in two respects: first, by combining insights and methods from philosophy of science, and science studies (including socio-legal studies) with normative bioethics, and second, by paying detailed attention to actual life science practices against the backdrop of theoretical discourse in philosophy, law and social science.
E2LSI Projects
Epistemic aspects of evidence-based health policy: the case of COVID-19
Stefano Canali, Simon Lohse & Karim Bschir (St. Gallen)
The project will explore in what ways and through which disciplines public health policy during the Covid-19 pandemic was based on scientific evidence. In a second step, the epistemic status quo and limitations of current evidence-based health policy will be analysed through the lens of philosophy of science, and potential for improvement will be identified. Special attention will be paid to epistemic pluralism and the interaction of epidemiological and social scientific expertise.
Epistemic aspects of evidence-based health policy: the case of COVID-19
Stefano Canali, Simon Lohse & Karim Bschir (St. Gallen)
The project will explore in what ways and through which disciplines public health policy during the Covid-19 pandemic was based on scientific evidence. In a second step, the epistemic status quo and limitations of current evidence-based health policy will be analysed through the lens of philosophy of science, and potential for improvement will be identified. Special attention will be paid to epistemic pluralism and the interaction of epidemiological and social scientific expertise.
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Photo von Drew Hays
Barriers for alternative methods to animal experimentation
Simon Lohse (in cooperation with Lisa Hermann, Nils Hoppe & Rebecca Knab)
This research project analyses epistemic barriers for the development and acceptance of alternative methods to animal experimentation in basic and applied research. It attempts to integrate a socio-epistemological perspective with recent insights from the philosophy of the life sciences to explore the status quo of the animal experimentation regime and to draw out normative implications for the (self-)regulation of science. This project is conducted within the scientific network "R2N - Reduce and Replace in Lower Saxony".
Barriers for alternative methods to animal experimentation
Simon Lohse (in cooperation with Lisa Hermann, Nils Hoppe & Rebecca Knab)
This research project analyses epistemic barriers for the development and acceptance of alternative methods to animal experimentation in basic and applied research. It attempts to integrate a socio-epistemological perspective with recent insights from the philosophy of the life sciences to explore the status quo of the animal experimentation regime and to draw out normative implications for the (self-)regulation of science. This project is conducted within the scientific network "R2N - Reduce and Replace in Lower Saxony".
Ethical aspects regarding stem cell research and the creation of chimeras
Koko Kwisda (in cooperation with Tobias Cantz, Nils Hoppe, Dietmar Hübner and Lucie White)
This PhD project is concerned with human-animal chimera research and the bioethical debate surrounding it. The research focuses on the philosophical analysis and systematisation of arguments related to chimera research (e.g. metaphysical and ethical arguments). The first part of this project consists in an empirical systematic review of the arguments. The second part analyses implications of current research and its surrounding discussion and regulation for the governance of chimera-based research (such as xenotransplantation).
Ethical aspects regarding stem cell research and the creation of chimeras
Koko Kwisda (in cooperation with Tobias Cantz, Nils Hoppe, Dietmar Hübner and Lucie White)
This PhD project is concerned with human-animal chimera research and the bioethical debate surrounding it. The research focuses on the philosophical analysis and systematisation of arguments related to chimera research (e.g. metaphysical and ethical arguments). The first part of this project consists in an empirical systematic review of the arguments. The second part analyses implications of current research and its surrounding discussion and regulation for the governance of chimera-based research (such as xenotransplantation).
Legal and ethical aspects of genome editing in agriculture
Martin Wasmer (in cooperation with Jürgen Robienski, Thomas Reydon and Nils Hoppe)
As part of the project ELSA-GEA (see “Current Research Projects”), biological terms (e.g. GMO, mutagenesis, gene, species boundary, etc.) and philosophical assumptions underlying German and European genetic engineering law are investigated. The definition of such terms is legally relevant, but their meaning is derived in different ways from scientific practice. Thus, the project integrates legal aspects and aspects from philosophy of science to clarify epistemological and ontological questions in the context of biotechnology regulation. The insights gained will contribute to a productive discussion among the interested public and decision-makers and will help to identify options for regulatory or legislative measures.
Legal and ethical aspects of genome editing in agriculture
Martin Wasmer (in cooperation with Jürgen Robienski, Thomas Reydon and Nils Hoppe)
As part of the project ELSA-GEA (see “Current Research Projects”), biological terms (e.g. GMO, mutagenesis, gene, species boundary, etc.) and philosophical assumptions underlying German and European genetic engineering law are investigated. The definition of such terms is legally relevant, but their meaning is derived in different ways from scientific practice. Thus, the project integrates legal aspects and aspects from philosophy of science to clarify epistemological and ontological questions in the context of biotechnology regulation. The insights gained will contribute to a productive discussion among the interested public and decision-makers and will help to identify options for regulatory or legislative measures.
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