Epistemology of ignorance: The contribution of philosophy to the science-policy interface of marine biosecurity

Anne Schwenkenbecher; Chad Hewitt; Remco Heesen; Marnie L. Campbell; Dr Oliver Fritsch; Andrew T. Knight; Erin Nash

doi:10.3389/fmars.2023.1178949

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Epistemology of ignorance: The contribution of philosophy to the science-policy interface of marine biosecurity

Journal article

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Epistemology of ignorance: The contribution of philosophy to the science-policy interface of marine biosecurity

Anne Schwenkenbecher, Chad Hewitt, Remco Heesen, Marnie L. Campbell, Dr Oliver Fritsch, Andrew T. Knight and Erin Nash

Frontiers in marine science, Vol.10, 1178949

2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2023.1178949

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Abstract

invasion ecology

evidence

bias

obligation

uncertainty

Marine ecosystems are under increasing pressure from human activity, yet successful management relies on knowledge. The evidence-based policy (EBP) approach has been promoted on the grounds that it provides greater transparency and consistency by relying on 'high quality' information. However, EBP also creates epistemic responsibilities. Decision-making where limited or no empirical evidence exists, such as is often the case in marine systems, creates epistemic obligations for new information acquisition. We argue that philosophical approaches can inform the science-policy interface. Using marine biosecurity examples, we specifically examine the epistemic challenges in the acquisition and acceptance of evidence to inform policy, discussing epistemic due care and biases in consideration of evidence.

Details

Title: Epistemology of ignorance: The contribution of philosophy to the science-policy interface of marine biosecurity
Authors/Creators: Anne Schwenkenbecher - Murdoch University, Centre for Biosecurity and One Health
Chad Hewitt - Murdoch University, Centre for Biosecurity and One Health
Remco Heesen
Marnie L. Campbell - Australian Maritime College
Dr Oliver Fritsch - Murdoch University, Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and Sustainability
Andrew T. Knight
Erin Nash
Publication Details: Frontiers in marine science, Vol.10, 1178949
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Identifiers: 991005599570307891
Murdoch Affiliation: Centre for Biosecurity and One Health; Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and Sustainability; School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Citation topics: 10 Arts & Humanities; 10.126 Philosophy; 10.126.1019 Epistemic and Moral Philosophy
Web Of Science research areas: Environmental Sciences; Marine & Freshwater Biology
ESI research areas: Plant & Animal Science