#1245 Jacob Stegenga - Heart of Science: A Philosophy of Scientific Inquiry
RECORDED ON APRIL 7th 2026.
Dr. Jacob Stegenga is a Professor of Philosophy at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Most of his research has been in general philosophy of science and philosophy of medicine, though he has worked on a wide range of other topics, including stereotypes, just war theory, and science in a time of crisis. His latest book is Heart of Science: A Philosophy of Scientific Inquiry.
In this episode, we focus on Heart of Science. We discuss what scientific inquiry is, the aim of science, and the concepts of common knowledge, scientific consensus, and justification. We talk about an approach to science focused on justification and not aims, factive approaches to science, and good scientific testimony. We discuss the demarcation problem, and Popper’s approach to it. We talk about whether people should trust science, we explore the example of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we discuss whether “fast science” is justified. We discuss whether science can be value-free. We talk about what scientific progress is, and credit allocation in science. Finally, we discuss whether there are “timeless truths” in science.
Time Links:
What is scientific inquiry?
The aim of science
Common knowledge, scientific consensus, and justification
Focusing on justification and not on aims
Factive approaches to science
Good scientific testimony
Popper and the demarcation problem
The COVID-19 pandemic, and trusting science
1:08.32 Is “fast science” justified?
Can science be value-free?
What is scientific progress?
Credit allocation in science
Are there “timeless truths” in science?
Follow Dr. Stegenga’s work!
Follow Dr. Stegenga’s work:
Faculty page: https://bit.ly/35WaVmn
Academia.edu page: https://bit.ly/38bfw6K
PhilPeople page: https://bit.ly/3232ODy
Heart of Science: https://tinyurl.com/2tye3kj3