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Non-Cognitive Values and Objectivity in Scientific Explanation: Egalitarianism and the Case of the Movius Line
- Perspectives on Science
- The MIT Press
- Volume 21, Number 4, Winter 2013
- pp. 429-452
- Article
- Additional Information
Although it is now widely accepted that in science, non-cognitive values play a role, it is still debated whether this has implications for its objectivity. It seems that the task of philosophers here is twofold: to flesh out what kinds of non-cognitive values play what kinds of roles, and to evaluate the implications for objectivity. I attempt to contribute to both tasks by introducing the value of egalitarianism, and showing how this non-cognitive value shapes three alternative explanations of the Movius Line. It is argued that although these explanations are motivated by egalitarianism, they are nevertheless objective.