RII Track-4: NSF: Constructing an Epistemology of Agricultural Science

Science and Technology Studies (STS) investigates scientific practices using a variety of methodologies, including philosophy of science. Philosophers of science investigate scientific epistemology, that is, the logical and conceptual underpinnings of scientific knowledge. When scientific epistemology is integrated into scientific practice, philosophy of science is a practical tool for scientists that can clarify and improve scientific methodology. The PI aims to build the first scientific epistemology of agricultural science. Agricultural science is an interdisciplinary and applied set of scientific practices that will feature prominently in solutions to urgent, global 21st-century problems, including the energy crisis and food shortages anticipated by man- made climate change. Building an epistemology of agricultural science is underway in collaboration with philosophers of science at Michigan State University (MSU). The Fellowship will expand this collaboration by hosting the PI and Postdoc at MSU.