Idealization and Values in Policymaking Workshop, CSU, April 16-17, 2026:
Location: Longs Peak Room
Speakers:
Wendy Parker (Virginia Tech)
Jay Odenbaugh (Lewis and Clark)
Yasha Rohwer (Oregon Tech)
Piper Sledge (Arizona)
Gabriele Contessa (Carleton)
Ben Hale (Colorado, Boulder)
Soazig le Bihan (Montana)
Mark Risjord (Emory)
Stephanie Hoffman (Kansas State)
Adam C. Smith (Utah)
Patricia Marino (Waterloo)
Description: Scientific models play a crucial role in many policymaking decisions. Underlying the use of these models for policymaking purposes is the extensive use of idealization and values. This interdisciplinary workshop seeks to investigate the roles that idealization, values, and models play in scientific policymaking and how their contributions are assessed and managed. The workshop will bring together philosophers and scientists working at the intersections of these areas in the hopes of bridging gaps between the scientific modeling literature, literatures surrounding the role of values in science, and discussions of science-based policy construction. Selected papers from this workshop may be included in a planned edited volume (or special issue) at a later date. This workshop is supported by Dr. Rice's Monfort Professorship.
Detailed schedule available here: https://philosophy.colostate.edu/events/idealization-and-values-in-policymaking-workshop/