Yesterday I read an interesting book chapter on the evidence-based practice movement. The author (Dennis M. Gorman from Texas A&M University) argues that is a major driver of pseudoscience in various public health practice areas (the chapter focusses on drug prevention research). Gorman presents evidence of “questionable data analysis practices to produce positive results” – and related gaming … [Read more…]
In his book The Invention of Science David Wootton argues that “the idea of discovery is … a precondition for the invention of science” (p.54) and, linked with this, that the idea of discovery itself had to be invented. He points to the works of Francis Bacon which “built a philosophy of science around the … [Read more…]
Last week I received a letter from University of Technology Sydney (UTS) stating that the Graduate Research School at UTS has recommended (to the Academic Board) that I be admitted to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (the degree will be conferred in March). This letter more formally marks the completion of what has been … [Read more…]
I discovered the philosopher Cheryl Misak (link) whilst working on my PhD. Whilst her book Cambridge Pragmatism is mainly intended as a rewriting of the history of pragmatist philosophy, I read it as part of my efforts to gain a stronger understanding of the pragmatist philosophical tradition. Two key opening statements in the Preface that … [Read more…]
I’ve been pondering my career options and one trend of interest is the increasing focus on assessing the impact of research activities and investments (link, link, link, link). These assessments are also seen as being inherently challenging (e.g. see link), often highly flawed, and there are important debates about who should do such evaluations and … [Read more…]
The concept of knowledge practices is increasingly central to much of my research, thinking and work and, as part of this, I’m developing a list a practices-of-interest. Some of these practices are also innovation-oriented and not only used for producing or appraising knowledge or for facilitating the use (or “uptake”) of findings/scientific evidence. I’m also … [Read more…]
One of the most interesting aspects of Oxford Scenario Planning Approach (OSPA) – as outlined in the book Strategic Reframing by Rafael Ramirez and Angela Wilkinson (core Faculty at the Oxford Scenarios Programme at Oxford University’s Said Business School) – is the emphasis placed on attending to peoples’ “sense of the future”. As they put … [Read more…]
I’ve started developing a list of key readings which explore how and why engagement with the future can be biased (or problematic in other/related ways). This list of readings is a work-in-progress and will be progressively added to… I’d be keen to hear from you if you have suggestions for additional readings exploring the following … [Read more…]
Lately I’ve been thinking about the psychological aspects of anticipation and related practices. In the final chapter of my PhD thesis (which is under examination) I noted the need for further inquiry into the ways that knowledge practices are shaped by the cognitive tendencies and limits of human beings. Related to this, over the past … [Read more…]
This post briefly considers Chris Thomas’s new book Inheritors of the Earth: How Nature Is Thriving in an Age of Extinction. As the subtitle suggests, the book seeks to challenge the “pessimism-laden, loss-only view of the world” (p.9) that Thomas believes is currently dominant in conservation and ecology. In contrast, the book emphasises the “biological … [Read more…]