Lorraine Daston

Comets! Magnets! Armadillos! In this wide-ranging interview Lorraine Daston tells us how Renaissance and early modern scientists dealt with the extraordinary events they called "wonders".

In dieser Folge sprechen Lorraine Daston, eine herausragende Wissenschaftshistorikerin, und Peter Galison, ein angesehener Wissenschaftshistoriker, über die Evolution des Begriffs der Objektivität in der Wissenschaft. Sie zeigen, wie sich die Wahrnehmung von Naturwahrheit im Laufe der Jahrhunderte verändert hat und beleuchten die Rolle klassischer Naturforscher. Zudem diskutieren sie die Herausforderungen der Bildreproduktion in der Wissenschaft und die Bedeutung eines geschulten Urteils bei der Interpretation von Bildern. Ein faszinierender Einblick in die komplexe Beziehung zwischen Wissenschaft und Wahrnehmung!

Peter Galison, a Harvard professor, and Lorraine Daston, a historian at the Max Planck Institute, explore the nuanced concept of objectivity in their work. They discuss how the meaning of objectivity has evolved over time and its ties to the subjectivity of researchers. The conversation highlights the interplay between science and art, especially the influence of aesthetics on knowledge creation. They delve into the historical shifts in scientific representation and the growing significance of visual data in modern research, predicting future trajectories in image production.

Brian Stone, an expert in urban planning and climate change, discusses the challenges of rebuilding after disasters in the age of permacrisis. Lorraine Daston, a renowned science historian, explores evolving perceptions of responsibility regarding climate events. Annalee Newitz brings a creative lens, highlighting innovative design solutions for coastal flooding. They emphasize the power of storytelling as a means of resilience and inspire listeners to rethink how we prepare and respond to ongoing environmental challenges.

Lorraine Daston, Director Emerita at the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science, dives into the legacy of Gregor Mendel and the debates surrounding genetic determinism. She contrasts Mendel’s work with the theories of Bateson and Weldon, illuminating how personal biases influenced scientific acceptance. The discussion highlights misconceptions in genetics, challenges to inherited traits, and the historical neglect of women's contributions. Daston urges a nuanced understanding of these ongoing scientific controversies and their cultural implications.