2 Jun
2025
2 Jun
'25
10:56 a.m.
Dear all,
we warmly invite you to the next APSE (Applied Philosophy of Science and
Epistemology) Talk and Reading Circle. The talk will be held by Matteo Vagelli
(Ca' Foscari University of Venice). Everybody is welcome.
1. TALK:
When: Thursday, 05.06.2025, 15:00 - 17:00
Where: HS 3A, NIG (Universitätsstraße 7, 1010 Wien)
Title: Understanding Scientific Knowledge in Terms of Styles of Reasoning
Abstract:
In this talk, I develop a more precise epistemological account of styles of
reasoning (e.g. Crombie 1992; Davidson 2001; Elwick 2007; Hacking 1982, 1992,
2012; Kwa 2011; Radick 2000). I begin by situating the notion in relation to
general logical modes of inference—deduction, induction, and abduction—
highlighting its distinctive role in shaping scientific rationality. I then
try to advance styles of reasoning as potential candidates to come to terms
with scientific progress, understood both in relation to justification
(Stegenga 2026) and understanding (Déllsen 2016), as well as with scientific
pluralism, especially under its “interactive” account (Chang 2024).
Next, I refine the distinction between two levels of styles: Level 1, large-
scale styles of scientific reasoning (e.g. postulation, experimentation,
modelling, taxonomy, statistics, historical development), and Level 2, small-
scale inferential strategies operative within specific scientific practices
(Bueno 2012). I argue that meaningful philosophical analysis of science
requires attention to both levels and propose the addition of a local level—a
more context-sensitive scale that captures the dynamic interaction between the
two.
To substantiate this claim, I examine contemporary research on Alzheimer’s
disease (Bemelmans et al. 2016; Hardy & Higgins 1992; Schermer, 2023),
illustrating how local configurations of reasoning styles mediate between
broader methodological commitments and specific inferential moves. This case
is particularly relevant, as it highlights the interplay between epistemic and
non-epistemic factors in shaping scientific inquiry. By tracing how styles of
reasoning operate across different levels within this research domain, the
case study anchors the theoretical reflections and demonstrates how styles
serve as a bridge between the logical and the social dimensions of scientific
practice.
By integrating conceptual refinement with empirical analysis, the talk aims to
strengthen the epistemological foundations of the styles of reasoning
framework and enhance its relevance for current debates on plurality,
understanding, and the dynamics of scientific change. In doing so, it also
seeks to render the framework more responsive to at least some of the
criticisms that have been levelled against it (e.g. Kusch 2010; Rouse 2011).
2. READING CIRCLE:
When: Thursday, 05.06.2025, 13:15 - 14:45
Where: HS 3A, NIG (Universitätsstraße 7, 1010 Wien)
We will focus on an article by Matteo Vagelli (attached as PDF):
Vagelli, Matteo (2024). Styles of Science and the Pluralist Turn: Between
Inclusion and Exclusion. Revue de Synthèse 145 (3-4): 325-363. https://
doi.org/10.1163/19552343-14234053
For further reading regarding the topic:
Bueno, Otavio. (2012). “Styles of reasoning: A pluralist view.” Studies in
History and Philosophy of Science 43: 657-665. https://doi.org/10.1016/
j.shpsa.2012.07.008
Daston, L. and Otte, M. (1991) “Introduction”, Science in Context, 4 (2): 223–
232. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0269889700000946
Vagelli, M. (2024). “Hacking’s Styles of Scientific Reasoning.” In:
Reconsidering Historical Epistemology. French and Anglophone Styles in History
and Philosophy of Science. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/
10.1007/978-3-031-61555-9_8
Vagelli, M. (2024). “Styles of Science, Styles of Philosophy.” In:
Reconsidering Historical Epistemology. French and Anglophone Styles in History
and Philosophy of Science. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/
10.1007/978-3-031-61555-9_9
Wessely, A. (1991) “Transposing ‘Style’ from the History of Art to the History
of Science”, Science in Context, 4 (2): 265–278. https://doi.org/10.1017/
S026988970000096X
With best wishes,
Miguel de la Riva
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https://bsky.app/profile/m-de-la-riva.bsky.social