Professor Rachel Ankeny: ‘I’m excited to develop more philosophy of science in practice’

Ankeny has always been interested in life sciences, but did not want to work in a lab. “My interest is mostly in meta-level issues: how is science practiced, how do scientists collaborate and what values do they bring to their research? I find it exciting to step back and look at how science works.” She thinks more attention to philosophy of science would be good for scientists and students at WUR, “from ideas about methods and disciplines to different approaches to how you do science, which raise both epistemic and ethical issues.”

It’s no surprise she finds epistemology (the study of knowledge including the methods that we use to justify our views) intriguing. “Using philosophy to explore scientific research is essential because science is changing quite rapidly, not only because of new technologies, but also because of public expectations and the impacts of science on policy and decision-making. We need to be more transparent and go deeper into the assumptions and decisions associated with knowledge production.”

Western science

Key questions, according to Ankeny, are why science works the way it does and what science does and does not do: “Those understandings evolve over time. What we consider to be fact changes and depends on how and why we acquire knowledge. Western science differs from opinions because it is systematized and has certain standards that have evolved over a very long time but that are continuing to change.”

Ankeny thinks it is crucial to understand where we encounter limits and where we as a society need to make decisions based on the best available information and scientific insights. “For example, philosophers can help with what is the right thing to do when it comes to protecting vulnerable people and being aware of how scientific developments may disadvantage certain groups. And on the positive side: how science can improve people’s lives. That’s what science is ultimately about.”

Controversial topics

Ankeny actively contributes to policy making in the fields of biological, biomedical and agricultural sciences. She regularly engages with broad audiences on controversial topics in science and technology, such as genetic modification and stem cell research. As chair, she plans to continue building on the growing global field of engaged philosophical approaches: “The WUR Philosophy Group has done excellent things, both in research on topics in the life sciences and in teaching students. I am happy to be part of this now.”

Until her move to Wageningen, Ankeny was professor at the University of Adelaide, Australia. She had many international contacts there, including with scientists in Europe and The Netherlands. Still, it will take some getting used to working and living here full-time now. “My research is partly about engaging communities in science policymaking. That is complicated in a new culture and in a different language, but I am fortunate to be able to collaborate with my new colleagues. Dutch people are very direct and I am also a very direct person, maybe because of my Italian background. So that suits me well.”