Joshua Kassner, professor of philosophy at The University of Baltimore and research fellows director for the Hoffberger Center for Ethical Engagement, recently gave a talk at the University of Oxford as part of his contribution to a special edition of Bioethics, a prestigious journal in applied ethics.
The editors of the edition invited its contributors to Oxford for a conference, "Critical Perspectives on Democratic Deliberation in Health and Science Policy." On May 16, Dr. Kassner presented on "Maintaining the Empirical-Normative Divide in Decision-Making: An Argument to Set the Boundaries Around the (Appropriate) Role for the Public in Health and Science Policy."
In bioethics, the empirical-normative divide distinguishes fact-based approaches from those that emphasize ethics. Increasingly, science and health researchers are considering the role of the public in their work, and exploring the lines between empirical data and ethical principles. The goal is to establish an effective understanding between the value of public opinion and expertise in science, medicine, and so on.
The presentations took place at Oxford's Big Data Institute. The special edition of Bioethics is expected within a year.
Learn more about Prof. Joshua Kassner and the B.A. in Philosophy, Law and Ethics program at The University of Baltimore.