Scientific Objectivity and Psychiatric Nosology

Abstract:  This paper challenges the traditional conception of objectivity in science by arguing that its singular focus on evidential relations and search for aperspectivalism renders it inadequate. Through an examination of psychiatric nosology, I argue that interesting and unique problems arise that challenge this conception of objectivity and that these challenges cannot be met by this account. However, a social practice account of objectivity provides a much more successful way of thinking about values and objectivity in psychiatric nosology. Moreover, it provides us with a far more successful account in general. 1.