● Aim 

Redefining our understanding of scientific influence.

● Short Description

Scientific models wield significant influence beyond mere prediction, shaping policies and individual behaviours, a phenomenon known as performativity. This can undermine the accuracy of predictions, while also raising ethical concerns about the role of science in guiding human affairs.

Despite the practical implications, the philosophy of science has yet to offer clear guidance on performative science. In this context, the ERC-funded MAPS project will explore the delicate balance between science’s epistemic role and its societal impact.

Through close examination of scientific practices, MAPS seeks to assess and manage the ethical risks of performativity. Bridging philosophy and practice, it offers guidance on navigating the increasingly influential role of science in shaping our world.

● Subjects of research 

● Long Description

Science is typically thought to describe the world; to provide predictions or explanations.

But often, science and scientists also influence the very things they aim to describe.

This phenomenon is becoming increasingly widespread: For instance, some predictions of bank failures have led to bank runs, which made banks actually fail. In the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw that predictions of the spread of the disease influenced social distancing and lockdown decisions and thus, the course of the pandemic. And, in computer science, predictive algorithms increasingly influence things like whether you are hired, granted a loan, or denied parole. In all these cases, scientific models are performative; meaning they influence the targets they’re supposed to describe.

Philosophers have so far discussed performativity as a problem for science. They have noted, first, that it can skew scientific results, when it steers outcomes away from what you predicted. And, second, it also raises ethical and political issues. Usually, we see the proper role of science as providing facts, rather than influencing them, and scientists aren’t democratically elected to influence outcomes. But, while these philosophers point at important problems, they neglect the fact that performative effects are ubiquitous and inevitable! This is where MAPS enters.

Since performative effects are virtually everywhere, the guiding question should be how to best manage these effects and steer them into socially desirable paths.

But, so far there is hardly any work that has taken this approach. The aim of MAPS is to put performativity management on the agenda.

● Project Phases