The Epistemic Grounds for Lay Interference in the Conduct of Science, 2025, de Canson

[Dolphin]

This involves some discussion of ME/CFS and long Covid

https://philpapers.org/archive/CANTEG.pdf

The Epistemic Grounds for Lay Interference in the Conduct of Science

Chloé de Canson

Abstract.

I present a heretofore untheorised form of lay science, called extitutional science, whereby lay scientists, by virtue of their collective experience, are able to detect errors committed by institutional scientists and attempt to have them corrected.

I argue that the epistemic success of institutional science is enhanced to the extent that it takes up this extitutional criticism.

Since this uptake does not occur spontaneously, extitutional interference in the conduct of institutional science is required.

I make a proposal for how to secure this epistemically beneficial form of lay interference.

 

[bobbler]

very interested to see how this goes down.

I have faint memories of hints by certain bps individuals suggesting that being a lay person having an illness now constitued a conflict of interest rather than making money from interests dependent on the outcome of certain research. And other seemingly spurious arguments trying to turn truth on its head.

I think the term 'extitutional' probably does a good job here, I haven't heard it before but it encapsulates something we've probably been reaching for re: hierarchies, institutions, capture etc.

 

[Sean]

rather than making money from interests dependent on the outcome of certain research.

And a lot more than money. Just as important, and sometimes more so, are power, status, reputation, face-saving, etc.

Though a well above average income is always a powerful motivator too.

 

[EndME]

I'm not quite sure how Granting Review Power to Extitutional Scientists will work out in reality respecitely how one can effectively manage the potential risks. We one S4ME might argue in one direction but Fiona Symington will happily say the opposite and if I'm wanting a position that fits my narrative I'll always find someone whose views or interests align with mine.

 

[Jonathan Edwards]

The critical step is ethics committee or IRB and we have had lay members on those for decades.