Abstract: 

Philosophers of science contend that much of the work they do has the potential to enhance scientific research—and some have even collaborated with scientists and engineers to ensure these benefits are realized. Yet, we currently lack empirical data regarding scientists and engineers’ perceptions of these benefits and how they experience such collaborations. In this talk, I will present data from a mixed methods study involving a survey of over 2,000 scientists and engineers across Canada and the U.S. and in-depth interviews with 20 STEM researchers. The survey provides broad insights into scientists’ and engineers’ attitudes towards philosophy of science, along with their interest in philosophy-science collaborations (or lack thereof). Interviewees and survey participants who had reported experience with such collaborations were also asked about the extent to which they felt their collaborations were successful, what they believed made them successful, and what benefits their collaborations produced. Our findings demonstrate the capacity-building benefits of working across disciplines and the importance of interpersonal factors in making collaboration work. This research should be of interest to philosophers, STEM researchers, and anyone studying interdisciplinary collaboration.

Bio: 

Dr. Kathryn S. Plaisance is a Professor of Knowledge Integration at the University of Waterloo, cross‑appointed to the Departments of Philosophy and Psychology. Her research focuses on engaged philosophy of science, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the nature of expertise. She currently holds a SSHRC Insight Grant (2020–26) examining best practices for effective collaboration between science and philosophy, and her work has appeared in leading journals across philosophy and the social sciences. Dr. Plaisance is also an award‑winning educator, recognized with multiple teaching excellence awards, including the OUSA Teaching Excellence Award.

Attendance is free; no RSVP is required.