Last week, I had the privilege of attending the annual conference of the International Association of Critical Realism at the Ateneo. During the conference, I had the opportunity to present a paper on my work in science communication and its relationship to practice and philosophy. Additionally, I served as a panelist discussing the intersections of critical realism and the natural sciences.
Critical realism, as a paradigm, asserts that the observable world is merely a manifestation of a deeper truth. It recognizes that scientists, due to their training, focus, and objectives, are unable to fully measure and understand this truth. This acknowledgement challenges the notion of objectivity in science, as scientists are inherently subjective beings with their own interests and agendas.
However, this does not mean that objectivity is completely absent from science. Scientists still have the ability to document their work faithfully, allowing for replication and verification. The problem lies in the current research process, where certain scientists possess the power to control who enters their ranks, who receives funding, and which findings are considered important. This results in a lack of visibility for researchers who may be doing valuable work but are unfortunately disregarded.
Critical realism calls for the equal recognition and attention of all forms of knowledge, without favoritism towards Western science. This encompasses qualitative and in-depth research, which is often devalued in comparison to studies that focus solely on isolated variables. We have much to gain from all types of research, as long as it is systematic. Dismissing systematic research without statistical analysis is a display of arrogance, contradicting the very principles that science upholds.
In the realm of science communication, it is crucial to move beyond simply transmitting findings. Facts hold little meaning without being contextualized within the framework of how they were gathered and understood. It is through storytelling that science comes to life. These stories illustrate the personal motivations behind scientific endeavors and demonstrate that science extends far beyond laboratory experiments. Science is not limited to the bench sciences; it encompasses various disciplines, such as sociology, psychology, and communication studies. Each discipline brings its own unique perspectives and ways of understanding the complex world we live in.
Science communication should not be confined to the goal of educating a presumed ignorant public. Instead, it should focus on sharing the stories that breathe life into the field of science. By neglecting these stories, we run the risk of reducing science to a mere tool for ideological purposes. Let us embrace the diversity and richness of scientific knowledge and celebrate the stories that highlight the multifaceted nature of our world.
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