Subjectivity is Scientific: The History of Field Journaling in Western Science
Start Date
27-4-2023 1:30 PM
Document Type
Poster
Description
Science in the West is primarily driven by quantitative data and is valued for its perceived objectivity. However, I hypothesize that this emphasis severely limits advancement within science, and particularly within natural sciences which have historically relied on qualitative methods of investigation. During my initial research, I concluded that a return to field journaling would positively impact scientific research through increased connectivity between human inhabitants and their respective ecological communities. Additionally, field journaling has the potential to promote interpersonal relationships and inclusivity within scientific communities by including people of cultural backgrounds that traditionally value qualitative observation. Unfortunately, research indicates that the subjectivity of field journaling is often met with opposition. In my research, I further investigate the negative attitudes towards subjectivity in Western science through a postmodernist lens. I examine how the history behind the reign of hard data provides evidence of significant subjectivity behind the current perceived “objectivity”. Through the lens of cultural materialism, I investigate how sociocultural factors, such as race, class and gender, historically influenced Western culture’s philosophy of science in an attempt to decenter values imposed onto Western science by hegemonic forces. I then determine the role of the Western philosophy of science in the diminishment of field journaling as a legitimate methodology within natural sciences. I conclude by envisioning theoretical benefits of a reintroduction of field journaling into professional and academic settings. My research outlines an alternative approach to science that emphasizes a union with humanities in order to progress. My conclusion supports a return to qualitative methods such as field journaling to promote the advancement of science that is not otherwise possible.
Subjectivity is Scientific: The History of Field Journaling in Western Science
Science in the West is primarily driven by quantitative data and is valued for its perceived objectivity. However, I hypothesize that this emphasis severely limits advancement within science, and particularly within natural sciences which have historically relied on qualitative methods of investigation. During my initial research, I concluded that a return to field journaling would positively impact scientific research through increased connectivity between human inhabitants and their respective ecological communities. Additionally, field journaling has the potential to promote interpersonal relationships and inclusivity within scientific communities by including people of cultural backgrounds that traditionally value qualitative observation. Unfortunately, research indicates that the subjectivity of field journaling is often met with opposition. In my research, I further investigate the negative attitudes towards subjectivity in Western science through a postmodernist lens. I examine how the history behind the reign of hard data provides evidence of significant subjectivity behind the current perceived “objectivity”. Through the lens of cultural materialism, I investigate how sociocultural factors, such as race, class and gender, historically influenced Western culture’s philosophy of science in an attempt to decenter values imposed onto Western science by hegemonic forces. I then determine the role of the Western philosophy of science in the diminishment of field journaling as a legitimate methodology within natural sciences. I conclude by envisioning theoretical benefits of a reintroduction of field journaling into professional and academic settings. My research outlines an alternative approach to science that emphasizes a union with humanities in order to progress. My conclusion supports a return to qualitative methods such as field journaling to promote the advancement of science that is not otherwise possible.
Comments
The faculty mentor for this project was Nancy Holcroft Benson, Biology.