Name: Progress in Science and Beyond – Why Tolerate Mistakes and Detours?
Start: 2025-01-10T11:30:00+02:00
End: 2025-01-10T12:45:00+02:00
Location: University of Helsinki

$Progress in Science and Beyond \u2013 Why Tolerate Mistakes and Detours?$

Venue: F3017, Main Building, University of Helsinki (Fabianinkatu 33, 3rd floor)
Panelists: Helen Beebee, Cesare Cuttica, Ilkka Niiniluoto, Minna Palmroth
Moderator: Kaisa Kaakinen (HCAS)
Scientific progress and the progress of academic inquiry in general is no straight path. It is difficult, if not impossible, to predict the twists and turns of methodological or theoretical developments, paradigm shifts, or scientific revolutions. Groundbreaking discoveries often emerge when one is least expecting them, and they typically require years of basic research.
In this session, the panelists discuss the motors and obstacles of academic inquiry. If progress essentially involves impasses, errors, and inadvertent detours, then how should we facilitate academic inquiry? To what extent should we tolerate the self-governed and sometimes slow advancement of our understanding of the world? Do the humanities and social sciences differ from natural sciences in their mechanisms of progress?
Visit the event page for panelist bios: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/helsinki-collegium-advanced-studies/news/progress-science-and-beyond-why-tolerate-mistakes-and-detours
The event is part of the Science Forum: https://tieteenpaivat.fi/en