The Significance of Scentific Testimony

Abstract Chapter 7 begins with arguments for two theses concerning intra-scientific testimony. The first thesis, Methodology, is the claim that the distinctive norms governing intra-scientific testimony are vital to the scientific methods of collaborative science. The second thesis, Parthood, is the claim that intra-scientific testimony is a vital part of collaborative science. Gerken then turns to arguments for two theses about public scientific testimony. The first thesis of this duo, Enterprise, has it that public scientific testimony is critical for the scientific enterprise in societies pursuing ideals of deliberative democracy. The second thesis, Democracy, is the claim that public scientific testimony is critical for societies pursuing ideals of deliberative democracy. In light of these two theses, the role of public scientific testimony in the societal division of cognitive labor is discussed. One result of this discussion is a novel norm for laypersons’ uptake of public scientific testimony.